Log out Go to App
Go to App

Learning Materials

Features

Discover

Chapter 4: Problem 10

Describe several types of adaptations a species might have that would allow it to survive in a dry environment, escape predation, or lower competition with another species.

Short Answer

Expert verified
Adaptations for survival in a dry environment can include dermal modifications, nocturnal behavior, water storage, and root adaptations. Escape from predation can involve camouflage, mimicry, speed and agility, and defensive structures. Lowering competition with another species can involve specialization, symbiosis, temporal separation, and spatial separation.

Step by step solution

01

Identifying Adaptations for Dry Environments

There are various adaptations organisms could have that enable them to survive in dry environments. These include physical and behavioral traits such as: \n 1. Dermal modifications - like thick, scaly skin or fur to reduce water loss.\n 2. Nocturnal behavior - to avoid the harsh sunlight and heat.\n 3. Water storage - like the hump of a camel or the succulence of some plants.\n 4. Root adaptations in plants - deep roots to access underground water sources, or expansive shallow roots to absorb precipitation quickly.
02

Avoiding Predation

To escape predation, species might develop several adaptations such as: \n 1. Camouflage - a physical adaptation where the organisms blend in with their surroundings.\n 2. Mimicry - where innocent species mimic the appearance of harmful ones to appear dangerous.\n 3. Speed and Agility - to be able to quickly flee upon sensing danger.\n 4. Special defensive structures - like hard shells, spikes, or stingers.
03

Lowering Competition

Lowering competition with other species might involve: \n 1. Specialization - where species evolve to utilize specific resources that others can't. \n 2. Symbiosis - including mutualism, where species form mutually beneficial relationships. \n 3. Temporal separation - species might become nocturnal/diurnal to avoid competition for resources. \n 4. Spatial separation - different species might occupy different areas within the same habitat.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Start your free trial

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with Vaia!

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Most popular questions from this chapter

Distinguish between intraspecific and interspecific competition. How do they affect species as a form of environmental resistance?

What are selective pressures, and how do they relate to natural selection?

Explain the difference between \(r\) - and \(K\)-strategists. Where do these terms come from, and what are the characteristics of each broad category?

What factors determine whether a species will adapt to a change or whether the change will render it extinct?

Differentiate between the terms critical number and carrying capacity. What is density dependence?
See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Environmental Science Textbooks

Sustainability

Read Explanation

Living Environment

Read Explanation

Physical Environment

Read Explanation

Environmental Policy

Read Explanation

Biological Resources

Read Explanation

Environmental Research

Read Explanation
View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.

Sign-up for free