Principles of Ecology

In relation to mechanisms of evolution, adaptations are linked in as it allows organisms such as plants or animals to survive greater in its environment, as well as considering the nature of a mutation or adaptation because they’re passed down from one generation to the next and so on (Society, Photography and Kelser, 2010). If animal is changing to adapt better in its environment then it will help them thrive and produce more offspring (Contributor, 2015).

 

Adaptations have three main characteristics involved with species these include;

anatomical, behavioural and physiological.

 

The video below demonstrates and talks about specific adaptations  in the Camel, Giraffe and Penguin.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Anatomical adaptations:

Anatomical adaptations are physical changes with features of many organisms (NatureWorks, 2015).

Some animals are hard to see against their environment or surroundings which is known as camouflage. If animals are hard to notice, this can be an advantage for both predator and prey as it can keep them unspotted but also help them creep upon their prey (Arnold and Breummer, 2015).

 

An example of this would include the Giraffes neck as this has adapted in length to enable them to reach accordingly to extreme heights for vegetation.

 

Physiological adaptations:

Physiological adaptations work in relation to systemic responses of an individual to a specific external stimulus, meaning what substance an animal may produce usually as a defence mechanism resulting in the improved ability for an organism so cope with its environment (Physiological adaptation, 2015). These adaptations also include having the ability to produce venom; but also fewer generic functions including temperature changes (BBC, 2015).

 

An example of this would be a snake – they produce a chemical substance which is known as venom, they use this for either defensive or offensive purposes and is poisonous.

 

Behavioural adaptations:

Behavioural adaptations occur for an animal to be able to physically change, which allows species to behave in ways that may protect themselves or to benefit their hunting techniques (Animals & adaptations, 2015). Behaviour adaptations can be learned or instinctive, these may include social behaviours, by living alone or in groups and behaviour which is aided for protection, as some animals play dead which on occasions leads away predators.

 

An example of this would be animals that work invidiual or within a pack e.g. Lions some work together and migrate to different areas in search for food, while some males are ready to fight in which does not always benefit the pack as the females sit back and watch the males hunt (leading them to find a new pack leader) (Bauer, 2015).