Adaptation

Evolution

Evolution involves two interrelated phenomena– Adaptation: modifications of a species phenotype

to help them succeed in their environment– Speciation: the formation of a new species from a

pre-existing species

Adaptation

• A structural, behavioral, or physiological process that helps an organism survive and reproduce in its environment

• Eg. Camouflage allows an organism to blend in its environment to evade predators or sneak up on prey

Camouflage

How does the camouflage in these fish help them survive?

Camouflage

How does the camouflage in this tiger help it survive?

Camouflage Videos

Structural Adaptations: Saiga• The saiga has an odd shaped nose.• When it breathes, cool air is circulated in its

large nasal cavity, warming the air

Why do you think we

have such a big nose?

Structural Adaptations: Snowshoe hare

Can you explain adaptations of the snowshoe hare?

Turn white in winter to

camouflage

Large feet act as snowshoes

Structural Adaptation: King Vulture

Featherless head allows it to enter its head into carcasses, and not get stuck on the way

out

Mimicry

• A structural adaptation in which a harmless species resembles a harmful species in coloration, structure, or movement

The blue jay, after eating the monarch, promptly vomit it because of a bad taste. The viceroy, by looking like the inedible monarch, avoids

predation from predators.

Mimicry: Katydid

• The katydid mimics a dead leaf to remain unseen

Mimicry: Orchid Mantis

• The orchid mantis, which resembles the orchid flower, hides amongst orchid flowers waiting for its prey (other insects)

Mimicry: Coral Snakes

• The eastern coral snake is venomous, and displays warning coloration

• The scarlet king snake is a non-venomous snake

Motion Mimicry Video

Behavioral Adaptations: Hibernating

• Many animals hibernate in cold months to conserve energy

Behavioral Adaptations

• Nocturnal animals – awake at night, conserve energy and avoid overheating during the day, protection of darkness

• Migratory animals – animals migrate to areas with abundant nutrients at different times of year, or for mating

Physiological Adaptations: Venom

• Venomous animals make venom for defense• Often accompanied with warning colouration

Physiological adaptations: Body heat

• Our bodies can change blood flow patterns to maintain a near constant body temperature