Habitat and adaptation

Key Notes :

Habitat

Definition:

A habitat is the natural environment where an organism lives, grows, and thrives. It provides the necessary resources for survival.

Types of Habitats:

• Terrestrial: Land habitats like forests, deserts, grasslands, and tundras.
• Aquatic: Water habitats, including freshwater (lakes, rivers) and saltwater (oceans, seas).
• Artificial: Man-made environments like gardens, parks, and urban areas.

Components of a Habitat:

• Food: Essential for energy and growth.
• Water: Necessary for survival and physiological processes.
• Shelter: Provides protection from predators and harsh weather conditions.
• Space: Enough area to find food, mate, and establish territory.

Adaptation

Definition:

Adaptation is the process by which a species becomes better suited to its habitat. These changes can be physical, behavioral, or physiological.

Types of Adaptations:

• Structural Adaptations: Physical features of an organism that enhance its survival (e.g., the thick fur of polar bears for insulation, the long neck of giraffes to reach high leaves).
• Behavioral Adaptations: Actions or behaviors that help an organism survive (e.g., birds migrating to warmer climates in winter, nocturnal animals being active at night).
• Physiological Adaptations: Internal processes or functions that aid survival (e.g., camels conserving water, fish regulating salt levels in saltwater).

Examples of Adaptations:

• Cacti: Have thick, waxy skin to reduce water loss and spines to deter herbivores.
• Penguins: Have a streamlined body and flippers for swimming, as well as a layer of fat for insulation in cold waters.
• Chameleons: Can change color to blend into their environment, helping them avoid predators.

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