adaptation
a characteristic, behavior, or physiological advantage that increases the likelihood that your species will survive and reproduce
variations
differences in traits between members of the same species
selective breeding or artificial selection
humans determine which traits in a species they prefer and choose individuals with those traits to reproduce
natural selection
the process in which organisms with favorable traits survive and reproduce at higher rates than organisms without those traits
Structural Adaptation
involves a specific part of an organism's body.
Ex: a cactus has spines on it that help protect it from the organisms that try to eat it
Behavioral Adaptation
involves an animal's behavior- it can be learned or it might be something an animal is born doing.
Ex: every species of bird has its own bird call. These patterns of sound help birds find mates and protect their territory
Physiological Adaptation
involves the overall functions, systems, or processes of an organism.
Ex: certain types of bacteria have become resistant antibiotics, which means they have adapted to survive the treatments that people use to kill them
phototropism
when plants grow towards or away from light
hibernation
a survival technique to conserve energy by becoming inactive and slowing down all body processes
migration
a seasonal or periodic movement of animals in response to climate or food availability
nesting
a method organisms use to create shelter for themselves and their offspring
innate behavior
an organism is born knowing how to do it (inherited through your genes!)
instinct
an innate action or behavioral adaptation that an organism knows to do without being taught
imprinting
When an organism comes to recognize another as a parent or someone of habitual trust
developed during the 'critical period' or very early in an organism's life
learned behavior
something that organisms develop through observing others or are taught to do
symbiotic relationship (or symbiosis)
when organisms have a mutually beneficial relationship with one another
Ex: - A clownfish & a sea anemone
-A bee pollinating a flower while getting food for himself
sexual selection
when natural selection occurs through the preference of certain traits of individuals of a certain gender