Question

What is adaptation? What are types of adaption?

Answer 1

Adaptation:

Adaptation is an attribute of the organism (morphological, physiological, behavioral) that enables the organism to survive and reproduce in its habitat.

Types of adaptation:

1. Morphological adaptation:

• Example - To reduce water loss through transpiration, many desert plants have a thick cuticle on their leaf surfaces, and their stomata are organized in deep holes (sunken).

2. Physiological adaptation:

• Example - The body does not get enough oxygen at high elevations due to the low air pressure.
• However, slowly, the body adjusts to climate.
• Increased red blood cell formation, decreased hemoglobin binding affinity, and increased breathing rate compensates for reduced oxygen supply.

3. Behavioural adaptation:

• Example - Desert lizards use a variety of behavioral strategies to maintain a consistent body temperature.
• When their body temperature falls below their comfort zone, they bask in the sun and absorb heat, but when the ambient temperature rises, they move into the shade.