Design and Survival How adaptations can aid survival

Hair colour How can hair colour aid survival?

Hair Colour Arctic Fox In winter it has white fur which camouflages well with the snow and ice In summer it has a redder fur which camouflages better with the grassland

Hair colour Polar bears Their fur is translucent – it is not actually white more like a fibre optic tube. It directs the sun light onto their black skin. This helps them absorb more heat from the sun

Hair length How can hair length aid survival?

Hair length The extinct mammoth had long hair to help trap heat and survive in glacial conditions

Hair length The mammoth’s nearest surviving relative the elephant has short hair so it does not trap heat in the hot environment it inhabits.

Ear size How can ear size aid survival?

Ear size Arctic fox Has short ears to reduce heat loss in its cold habitat

Ear size European fox Has larger ears for better prey detection – heat loss not being too much of a problem

Ear size European hares have bigger ears than artic hares

Ear size African elephants use their large ears as heat convectors to get rid of excess body heat and to cool themselves down

Adaptations to the environment

Adaptations in fish

Fish have gills. Gills allow fish to extract dissolved oxygen from the water in which they live.

Adaptations in fish Fish have a streamlined shape. This allows them to move through the water quickly using a minimum amount of energy.

Adaptations in fish Fish have a body covered in scales Scales are covered in mucus (a slimy substance) which helps lubricate the surface of the fish so it can move through the water more easily

Adaptation in plants

Roots Plants roots are adapted to fulfil two functions: Take up water and essential nutrients from the soil Anchor the plant firmly in place

Adaptation in plants Leaves Plants leaves are superbly adapted to capture the light energy from the sun and change it into food by photosynthesis.

Adaptation in plants Leaves Plants leaves all have a covering of a protective cuticle This protects them from drying out, UV light, and from some micro organisms that could cause disease.

All living things are adapted to ensure their survival in the habitat where they live. This was a key realisation of Charles Darwin.