Adaptations are the special characteristics that enable plants, animals, and other organisms to survive and thrive in their environment. These traits can be physical, behavioral, or physiological.
Camouflage: A structural adaptation that helps an organism blend in with its surroundings to avoid predators.
Hibernation: A behavioral adaptation where an organism enters a state of reduced metabolic activity to conserve energy during harsh conditions.
Desert plants' ability to store water: A physiological adaptation that allows plants to survive long periods of drought.
Importance of Adaptations
Adaptations are crucial for the survival of organisms in their specific habitats. They allow organisms to find food, avoid predators, and reproduce successfully.
Study Guide
Here are some key points to remember about adaptations:
From Molecules to Organisms: Structures and Processes
Students who demonstrate understanding can:
Use argument based on empirical evidence and scientific reasoning to support an explanation for how characteristic animal behaviors and specialized plant structures affect the probability of successful reproduction of animals and plants respectively.