Adaptations of Organisms to Their Environment — AQA GCSE Biology

Organisms have features called adaptations that increase their chances of survival in their environment.

Types of adaptation

• Structural adaptations — physical features of the body. e.g. a polar bear's thick fur and blubber for insulation; a cactus's spines (reduced leaves) and thick stem to store water.
• Behavioural adaptations — the way an organism behaves. e.g. migration to warmer climates; hibernation in winter.
• Functional adaptations — internal processes. e.g. a desert animal producing little, concentrated urine to conserve water; a camel tolerating large changes in body temperature.

Extremophiles

Some organisms are adapted to live in extreme conditions such as high temperature, pressure or salt concentration. These are called extremophiles. Many are bacteria that live in places like deep-sea volcanic vents.

Linking adaptation to survival

Adaptations help organisms compete for resources and survive the abiotic and biotic conditions of their habitat. Better-adapted individuals are more likely to survive and reproduce (natural selection).

Exam tips

• Classify adaptations as structural, behavioural or functional and give examples.
• For any organism, link the adaptation to how it helps survival in that environment.
• Define extremophiles and give example conditions (high temperature, pressure, salt).
• Adaptations arise through natural selection over many generations.