Environment and Evolution

Environment and Evolution

1. Adaptations

   • Desert Animals
     • Large Surface Area Compared to Volume
       • Lets Desert Animals lose more body heat - helps stop overheating
     • Efficient With Water
       • producing small amounts of concentrated urine
       • produce very little sweat - camels tolerate changes in heat, kangaroo rats live in burrows underground
     • Good in Hot Conditions
       • Very thin layers of body fat and a thin coat to help them lose body heat - camels keep nearly all of their fat in their humps
     • Camouflage
       • A sandy colour gives good camouflage - to help them avoid predators or sneak up on prey
   • Arctic Animals
     • Small surface area compared to volume
       • Compact rounded shape - keeping SA to a minimum (reduces heat loss)
     • Well insulated
       • Thick layer of blubber - for insulation (also an energy store for when food is scarce
       • Thick hairy coats to keep body heat in and greasy fur sheds water (this prvent cooling due to evaporation
     • Camouflage
       • Arctic animals have white fur to blend in with the snow - to help avoid predators or sneak up on prey
   • Desert Plants
   • Microorganisms
   • Plants&Animals