1. Adaptations

2. Adaptations
Defined: Any trait that aids the chances of survival and reproduction
Increases an organisms fitness to the environment
Increases the probability of passing genes to the next generation
Ex: Broad leaves (forests) vs. Pointed needles (deserts)

3. Variation vs. Adaptation
Variation: differences that occur in a population
Ex: Cats can have long, sharp claws or short, dull claws
Harmful variation: Short, dull claws reduce fitness
Helpful variation: Long, sharp claws are more likely to be passed on
Variations can lead to adaptations

4. Complex Adaptations Evolution is a slow process
Complex traits all started very simple
Random variations continued to modify certain traits
Ex: At first, eyes were a group of light sensitive cells
Over time, variations
have lead to
adaptations

5. Structural Adaptations
Defined: Adaptations involving structure or anatomy
Ex: Anteater tongue (long & sticky)
Ex: Angler fish lure
Ex: Bird beaks for different diets

6. Physiological Adaptations
Defined: Chemical adaptations
Ex: Poisonous snake venom
Ex: Octopus ink for protection
Ex: Fungus
antibiotics
for protection

7. Behavioral Adaptations
Defined: Adaptations that respond to their environment
Ex: Nocturnal habits (being active at night decreases predator risk)
Ex: Migration (allows a constant food supply)

8. Interactions of Adaptations
Adaptations depend upon other adaptations
Ex: Act of Migration
Behavioral: instincts of know when to migrate
Structural: light, hollow bones and feathers
Physiological: constant, steady production of ATP

9. Name this Adaptation!
Behavioral
Wildebeest moving in herds for safety

10. Name this Adaptation! Physiological
Poison dart frogs secrete toxins to prevent being eaten.

11. Name this Adaptation! Structural
Teeth have different shapes for different functions (tearing, grinding)

12. Quick Review Adaptations are traits that aid survival
Variations (differences) lead to adaptations
Adaptations are passed from one generation to the next