Differences Between Adaptation and Acclimatisation
Adaptation and acclimatisation are two essential concepts in biology that describe how organisms respond to their environments. Here’s a detailed look at their differences:
Definition
- Adaptation: This is a long-term evolutionary process where a species gradually changes over generations to better suit its environment.
- Acclimatisation: This refers to a short-term physiological response of an individual organism to a change in its environment, allowing it to survive in the new conditions.
Time Frame
- Adaptation: Takes place over many generations and involves genetic changes.
- Acclimatisation: Occurs within an individual’s lifetime and does not involve genetic changes.
Examples
- Adaptation:
- The thick fur of polar bears helps them survive in cold climates.
- Cacti have adapted to store water in arid environments.
- Acclimatisation:
- A person moving to a high altitude may experience increased red blood cell production to acclimatise to lower oxygen levels.
- Animals may shed fur or change color with the seasons to adapt to temperature changes.
Mechanisms
- Adaptation: Driven by natural selection, where traits that enhance survival and reproduction become more common in a population.
- Acclimatisation: Involves physiological adjustments, such as changes in respiration rate or metabolism, to manage immediate environmental stresses.
Conclusion
Understanding the differences between adaptation and acclimatisation helps us appreciate how living organisms interact with their environments and survive in varying conditions.