Understanding Adaptations and Natural Selection in Species

1. Adaptations and Natural selection 7.11B explain variation within a population or species by comparing external features, behaviors, or physiology of organisms that enhance their survival such as migration, hibernation, or storage of food in a bulb

2. Key terms • Species: a group of organisms that have similar genetic characteristics that can interbreed in and produce fertile offspring Examples: Wild horse species: ferusDomestic dog species: familaris

3. Key terms • Population: a group of individuals of the same species in a specific area Example: A group of deer

4. Key terms • Species diversity: the variety and abundance of species in a given area (biodiversity) Example: in this one area there are many different species of plants.

5. Key terms • Genetic diversity: the variety of inheritable characteristics in a population of species. Example: these dogs are all the same species

6. Stop and discuss: What are some environmental challenges that all organisms face ?

7. Environmental challenges that limit survival: • number of predators • Living space • ability to reproduce • number of offspring • severe weather • access to food and water (famine or drought) • competition for food

8. Species Diversity • Variation of traits within a population helps the species survive over time • Peppered Moth Video and Worksheet

9. What kind of variation exists within a species?

10. What kind of variation exists within a species? • Size / weight • Color • Patterns • Speed • Number of offspring • Physical features • Behaviors

11. Adaptation • A structure, behavior or physiological process that an organism has that helps an organism survive and reproduce in a particular environment

12. 3 Categories of Adaptations • Structure: any physical feature that helps the organism survive • Behavior: something that an organism does... an action that helps them survive. • Physiology: a body function that helps organisms survive.

13. Structural Adaptations Examples: • Coloring/ camouflage • Mimicry • Fat • Beak shape • Bulbs for storage

14. Camouflage Stick insect Gecko Gecko Seahorse Snake Frog

15. Mimicry Mimicry: 1. a structural adaptation in which a harmless species resembles a harmful species in coloration or structure. 2. when two organisms, that are harmful mimic each other’s warning signal. This increases the chance even more of predator avoidance.

16. Behavioral • Behavior Adaptation: something that an organism does... an action that helps them survive. • mating times • migration • nocturnal activities These behaviors enable organisms to find available resources or favorable conditions for reproduction

17. Physiological • Physiological adaptation: a body function that helps organisms survive. • Hibernation • Tolerance to temperature / salt / chemicals • Production of venom

18. How do Adaptations Develop? 1. Natural selection

19. How do adaptations develop? • Selective breeding Controlled breeding to get Desired traits.