Science & Technology: Biology

Diversity of Species · Origin of Adaptations in Living Things

Adaptation is a process that occurs through natural selection when genetic information is combined
during reproduction to produce new organisms. Adaptations are related to environmental conditions
because these determine the characteristics that do or do not benefit the organisms that inhabit that
specific place. In this way, adaptation serves as a decisive factor that can increase chances for
survival.
Indicate whether, according to what you have studied, the statement is true or false.

1. Living things compete for resources, such as food, mates, and territory.

2. There are slight variations between organisms of the same species.

These differences may or may not be useful for survival.

3. Even if characteristics aren't useful, for example, to find food, a mate, or

territory, they are still considered an adaptation.

4. If the adaptations benefit an organism, it will be able to reproduce more

successfully.

5. Adaptations do not improve the chances of survival.

6. When an organism is successful in evolutionary terms, it does not

transmit its characteristics to its offspring. 

7. With time, the adapted organisms can become distinct from the original
species.

8. New species can develop even if there are no biological or ethological

variations.
Science & Technology: Biology
Diversity of Species · Different Types of Adaptations

All living things rely on adaptations to be more efficient in their search for food. Among
the structural adaptations that allow predators to capture and digest their prey are claws and
strong teeth, such as fangs. On the other hand, prey have developed defense mechanisms,
such as growing very tall and having tougher structures, as is the case with some plants.

What other examples do you know?

Adaptations are characteristics of individuals within a population that provide certain advantages
and allow them to survive. These can be morphological, physiological, and ethological, or
behavioral. In addition, there is diversity within each of these. Examples include mimicry and
camouflage, which allow individuals to go unnoticed; hibernation, which is a change in the
physiology of some animals during cold seasons; and migration, a behavior wherein animals travel
great distances to find better conditions. Adaptations are beneficial for living things and are closely
related to the environment. They have been shaped by natural selection over the course of many
generations. 
Match the columns, as appropriate.