Structural Adaptations to the Environment TAKS

Structural adaptations to the environment Every species is uniquely adapted to its environment This ensures the survival of the species

Structural adaptations to the environment Camels Heavy insulation of fur on backs Long eye lashes to protect eyes from sand Legs long and not fatty Walks on two toes protected from heat by pads of tissue

Structural adaptations to the environment Camels Kidney reabsorbs most of the water in urine Able to drink rapidly to replenish water losses – but does not store water in body (27 gallons in 10 mins!) Tolerates high levels of dehydration of body tissues

Structural adaptations to the environment Camels Tolerates wide range of body core temperatures Feces so dry they can be burned immediately

Structural adaptations to the environment Desert rats Survive by avoiding the conditions camels thrive in Live underground in burrows only coming out at night Rarely if ever drinks water

Structural adaptations to the environment Desert rats Water supply comes from the respiration of its food Produces a virtually solid urine Virtually no sweat glands

Structural adaptations to the environment Plants Mesophytes – plants living where water is readily available Xerophytes – plants living in areas where water is in short supply Halophytes – plants living in salty areas

Structural adaptations to the environment Mesophytes Includes native plants of Britain Can control their rate of transpiration Close their stomata at times of water stress Can easily recover from short periods of wilting

Structural adaptations to the environment Xerophytes Reduction of leaves to fine spikes, reducing transpiration Stem has hard thick epidermis and a waxy cuticle Can fix carbon dioxide at night so stomata remain closed during the day

Structural adaptations to the environment Xerophytes Marram grass (see notes from earlier in course) Reduced number of stomata sunk deep into grooves Leaves roll up into cylinder shape –trapping moist air within leaf Interlocking hairs reduce transpiration

Structural adaptations to the environment Halophytes Although often surrounded by water it is usually salty Actively absorb salts into their roots so roots have a lower water potential than surrounding water Also have many xeromorphic features to help them conserve water

Structural adaptations to the environment Adaptations in humans to high altitudes Greater depth of breathing, higher lung capacity and larger tidal volumes Blood has a higher affinity for oxygen Oxygen dissociation curve is shifted to the left Darker skins to combat higher UV radiation levels