Deep Dive: The Three Types of Adaptation
Part of Competition Adaptations · GCSE GCSE Biology revision
This deep dive covers Deep Dive: The Three Types of Adaptation within Competition Adaptations for GCSE Biology. Topic 2: Competition Adaptations It is section 4 of 15 in this topic. Use this deep dive to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
Topic position
Section 4 of 15
Practice
21 questions
Recall
15 flashcards
🔬 Deep Dive: The Three Types of Adaptation
| Type | What it means | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Structural | Physical features of the body | Polar bear — thick fur and blubber for insulation; white fur for camouflage. Camel — hump stores fat; wide feet spread weight on sand. Cactus — spines instead of leaves; thick stem stores water. Fish — streamlined shape for moving through water. |
| 2. Behavioural | Actions or behaviours that help survival | Migration — birds fly south in winter to find food. Hibernation — animals sleep through winter when food is scarce. Nocturnal hunting — avoid heat of day, hunt when prey is vulnerable. Courtship displays — attract mates with dances, songs, colours. |
| 3. Functional (physiological) | Internal processes and chemistry | Desert rat — produces very concentrated urine to save water. Poison dart frog — produces toxins that deter predators. Bacteria in hot springs — enzymes work at high temperatures. Plants in salty soil — can tolerate high salt concentrations. |
Keep building this topic
Read this section alongside the surrounding pages in Competition Adaptations. That gives you the full topic sequence instead of a single isolated revision point.
Practice Questions for Competition Adaptations
Which of the following do plants compete for?
Explain how the spines of a cactus are an adaptation to its desert environment.
Quick Recall Flashcards
21 questions on Competition Adaptations — practise free
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