Ch1 P2 The Living World: Adaptations & classification Part 2 Exercise 7th Science Qun 4 and 5 Answer

Summary

This transcript explores how various organisms adapt to their environments to ensure survival. It highlights the specific adaptations of desert plants like cacti and acacia, which minimize water loss through thorns and waxy layers, and how camels' long legs and thick skin help them thrive in the harsh desert. The transcript also covers grassland adaptations, with tall grasses providing camouflage for large animals like tigers, and shorter grasses in colder regions offering protection for smaller animals like rabbits. Overall, it emphasizes the relationship between organisms' survival strategies and their environments.

Takeaways

• 😀 Camels have long legs with flat, cushioned soles that help them easily navigate the desert terrain.
• 😀 Camels' thick skin reduces water loss, allowing them to survive in arid desert environments.
• 😀 Cacti and Acacia plants have modified leaves that act as spines, minimizing water loss through evaporation.
• 😀 These desert plants also have thick waxy layers on their stems to further prevent water loss.
• 😀 The deep roots of desert plants like Cacti and Acacia search for water deep beneath the soil.
• 😀 Animals in grasslands, such as tigers, lions, and deer, rely on tall grasses for both food and protection from predators.
• 😀 In colder grasslands, shorter grasses provide hiding spots for animals like rabbits.
• 😀 Some animals, like the spider, lizard, and rat, stay hidden in burrows during the day and become active at night to avoid predators.
• 😀 Animals like rabbits have large ears that help them detect sounds from a distance, enhancing their survival abilities.
• 😀 Adaptation refers to how organisms change and develop physical and behavioral traits to suit their environment, such as in response to temperature or resource availability.

Q & A

How do plants like cactus and acacia survive in the desert with scarce water?

Plants like cactus and acacia survive in the desert by adapting their leaves into small needles, which minimizes water loss due to evaporation. Additionally, they store water and food in their thick stems, which are covered by a waxy layer to further reduce water loss. Their roots penetrate deep into the soil in search of water.

What specific adaptation allows camels to thrive in desert conditions?

Camels are well adapted to desert life with their long legs and flat, cushioned soles that help them move easily across the sand. Their thick skin also prevents the loss of water, allowing them to survive in environments with little water. These adaptations make camels ideal for desert survival and transport.

How do animals like tigers and lions use the grasslands to their advantage?

Tigers and lions use tall grasses in the grasslands to hide from prey and blend into their surroundings, helping them remain undetected by potential prey. The tall grasses provide excellent cover, allowing these predators to ambush their targets more effectively.

Why are grasses in the equatorial regions taller than those in colder grasslands?

Grasses in the equatorial regions are taller because the warm, humid climate allows for more robust plant growth, providing better cover for animals like tigers, elephants, and deer. In contrast, grasses in colder regions are shorter due to harsher climatic conditions, which influence plant growth.

What adaptations do small animals like rabbits have to survive in grasslands?

Small animals like rabbits in colder grasslands have adapted by having large, sensitive ears that help them detect predators from long distances and various directions. This adaptation increases their chances of survival by allowing them to sense danger early.

What is the significance of animal camouflage in grasslands?

Camouflage is essential for survival in grasslands as it helps animals avoid detection by predators. Species like tigers and rabbits use their surroundings, such as tall grasses or short shrubs, to blend in, thereby increasing their chances of survival by reducing the likelihood of being preyed upon.

How do organisms adapt to extreme temperature changes in their environment?

Organisms adapt to extreme temperature changes through various physical and behavioral changes. For example, some species develop thicker skin or fur to retain heat in cold climates, while others may have mechanisms to cool themselves or conserve moisture in hot environments.

What is the role of classification in understanding organisms?

Classification organizes organisms into groups based on their similarities and differences, making it easier to study their characteristics and understand their relationships. It starts with broad categories like kingdoms and narrows down to more specific groups, ultimately assigning scientific names to each organism.

How does the process of adaptation influence the life cycle of organisms?

Adaptation influences the life cycle of organisms by shaping their behaviors, physical characteristics, and reproductive strategies. For example, some species may have shorter developmental periods to cope with environmental changes, while others might adjust their breeding patterns to ensure survival in harsh conditions.

Why are the grasses in temperate grasslands shorter than those in tropical regions?

The grasses in temperate grasslands are shorter because of the cooler climate, which limits plant growth. In tropical regions, the warm, moist conditions promote taller grasses, which provide better cover and more food sources for grazing animals.