Question 1

What is an adaptive feature?

Accepted Answer

An adaptive feature is an inherited characteristic that enhances an organism's survival and reproductive success in its specific environment. For example, the thick fur of a polar bear allows it to survive in freezing Arctic conditions.

Question 2

Give an example of a behavioural adaptation that increases survival rates

Accepted Answer

Migration is a behavioural adaptation where animals move to more favourable conditions. For example, some species of birds migrate to warmer areas during winter to find food and avoid cold temperatures, increasing their survival chances.

Question 3

Describe an adaptive feature of a desert plant (xerophyte) to conserve water.

Accepted Answer

Xerophytes often have reduced leaves or spines to minimize the surface area for transpiration, which reduces water loss. For example, cacti have spines instead of leaves, significantly decreasing water loss in arid environments.

Question 4

How does a waxy cuticle help a plant adapt to drier climates?

Accepted Answer

The waxy cuticle is a waterproof layer on the leaf surface that reduces water loss through evaporation. For example, plants like succulents have thick waxy cuticles to prevent excessive transpiration in hot, dry conditions.

Question 5

Describe an adaptive feature of hydrophytes.

Accepted Answer

Hydrophytes often have large air spaces in their leaves and stems to increase buoyancy and facilitate gas exchange underwater. For example, water lilies have large air spaces that allow their leaves to float on the water's surface to capture sunlight.

Question 6

How do hydrophytes obtain sufficient oxygen in waterlogged environments?

Accepted Answer

Many hydrophytes have aerenchyma, which are tissues with large air spaces, that allow oxygen to diffuse from aerial parts of the plant to submerged roots. An example is the water hyacinth which has air-filled structures that aid in flotation and aeration of submerged parts.

Question 7

Explain how deep roots are an adaptive feature for plants in dry environments.

Accepted Answer

Deep roots allow plants to access water sources far below the surface, enabling them to survive in areas with low rainfall. For example, the mesquite tree has roots that can extend up to 50 meters deep to reach groundwater.

Question 8

What are rolled leaves and how do they benefit some plants?

Accepted Answer

Rolled leaves are a method of reducing water loss from the lower epidermis as it shelters the stomata and traps a layer of humid air. An example is marram grass which is common on sand dunes.

Question 9

How does natural selection lead to adaptive features?

Accepted Answer

Organisms with traits best suited to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing those advantageous traits to their offspring. Over time, this process leads to populations that are well-adapted to their environment.  For example, peppered moths evolved darker coloration in industrial areas to better camouflage against soot-covered trees.

Adaptive features

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