Adaptations Classification Vocabulary Use these definitions to complete

Adaptations / Classification Vocabulary Use these definitions to complete Adaptation vocabulary. Open note quiz on Wednesday!

Natural Selection • Process by which individuals that are better suited to their environment survive & reproduce most successfully.

Selective Breeding • Selection, by humans, of the animals & plants that are allowed to breed based on the traits that people want.

Wild rose Cultivated rose

All dogs are the same species!!!

Adaptation • An inherited characteristic that increases an organism’s chance of survival. Fins for swimming!!!

Classification • Method by which biologists group & categorize species of organisms. Monotrenes Marsupials

Dichotomous Key • A classification chart that uses a series of yes / no statements to identify organisms based on their physical characteristics.

Genetic Diversity • The total number of genetic traits in the genetic makeup of a species. • Amount of diversity will vary from species to species

Small # of traits Large # of traits

Physiology The study of the internal functions of an organism. Ex: How your lungs take in oxygen or how your stomach produces enzymes or how a camel survives with little water.

Biodiversity • The variation of life forms within a given ecosystem, biome, or the entire Earth

Internal Vs External Features • Internal features are things like the size of your stomach or lungs, how strong your heart is, or the number of muscle cells you have. • External features are much easier to see. Your height, eye color, or ear size are examples of external features. • Most internal features are difficult or impossible to notice by looking at the organism, where as most external features are clearly visable.