Exploring Organism Adaptations in Ecology

The video explains that adaptations are characteristics that help organisms survive in their environments. It highlights the importance of adaptations for competing for resources and living successfully. Examples include the polar bear's adaptations for Arctic survival, such as camouflage and insulation, and the snowshoe hare's seasonal fur color change for camouflage. The video concludes by emphasizing the need to understand what organisms compete for and how adaptations aid their survival.

What is an adaptation?

• A feature that makes an organism larger

• A trait that makes an organism more colorful

• A behavior that makes an organism more aggressive

• A characteristic that helps an organism survive in its environment

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Why do plants and animals need to adapt?

• To compete for resources and live successfully

• To migrate to new environments

• To become larger

• To become more colorful

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How does the polar bear's white appearance help it?

• It makes them more visible to prey

• It keeps them warm

• It camouflages them against the snow

• It helps them swim faster

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What is one function of the polar bear's thick layers of fat and fur?

• To make them more colorful

• To help them climb trees

• To insulate them from the cold

• To help them swim faster

What is unique about the snowshoe hare's fur?

• It is always brown

• It is always white

• It changes color with the seasons

• It is always black

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Why does the snowshoe hare's fur turn white in winter?

• To absorb more sunlight

• To become more visible

• To hide in the snow

• To attract mates

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What should you consider when thinking about how organisms adapt?

• What the organism is competing for

• The speed of the organism

• The size of the organism

• The color of the organism

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