Chapter 4: Problem 11

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

Short Answer

Expert verified

Overall, a variety of factors determine whether a species adapts or becomes extinct due to a change, including environmental conditions, physical characteristics, reproductive capabilities, genetic variation, and the ability to change locations in response to environmental changes.

Step by step solution

- Identify Environmental Factors

Breathing becomes more challenging if the environment changes. Changes in climate, food supply, predators, diseases or invasive species all play a part.

- Physical Attributes

Species with unique physical attributes are better adapted to certain environments. Such as, animals with thick fur in cold environments or cacti that retain water in arid regions. A drastic change in the environment makes survival difficult.

- Reproductive Factors

Reproduction plays a key role in survival. Species that reproduce quickly and in large numbers often survive changes better, they can adapt faster to the new conditions.

- Genetic Variation

Species with a greater genetic variation are generally more adaptable. A diverse gene pool offers a better chance for the species to have traits that will enable survival under new conditions.

- Ability to Move

The species that can change their location in response to environmental change, e.g., migratory birds, have a better survival chance.

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!

Recommended explanations on Environmental Science Textbooks

View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

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

Short Answer

Step by step solution

- Identify Environmental Factors

- Physical Attributes

- Reproductive Factors

- Genetic Variation

- Ability to Move

One App. One Place for Learning.

Most popular questions from this chapter

Recommended explanations on Environmental Science Textbooks

Pollution

Environmental Policy

Environmental Research

Ecological Conservation

Living Environment

Biological Resources

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.