Biology B3

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Adaptation and Variation

A Species is a group of organisms that can breed together to produce fertile offspring.

Species adapt to their environments- Animal and plant species survive in many different environments. They can do this because they have adapted to their environment. Adaptations make individuals of a species more likely to survive and go on to produce offspring this then makes it more likely that the whole species will continue to exist in its environment.

Cacti have a rounded shape giving them a small surface area compared to their volume to reduce water loss.

They've got a thick waxy layer called a cuticle to further reduce water loss.

They store water in their thick stem which they can use when not a lot is around

They have shallow but very extensive roots which ensures water is absorbed quickly over a large area.

Fish have gills that extract oxygen from water for respiration.

They have tail fins with a surface area to help propel them through the water.

They use their other fins to keep them stable as they move.

Fish have an organ called a swim bladder (or air bladder). They can adjust the amount of gas in their swim bladder to change their depth in the water without having to use any energy.

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