Structural Adaptations in Organisms | Biology for JAMB PDF Download

Objective

Candidates should be able to account for adaptation in organisms with respect to obtaining food, protection and defense, securing mates, regulating body temperature, and conserving water.

Obtaining Food

• Beaks and Legs of Birds: Different bird species have evolved specialized beaks and legs to obtain food in various ways. For example, long, slender beaks are adapted for probing flowers to extract nectar (hummingbirds), while strong, hooked beaks are used for tearing flesh (eagles).
• Mouthparts of Insects (especially mosquito, butterfly, and moth): Insects exhibit a wide range of mouthpart adaptations for feeding. Mosquitoes have elongated, needle-like mouthparts (proboscis) for piercing the skin and sucking blood. Butterflies and moths have a coiled proboscis for sipping nectar from flowers.

Protection and Defense

• Stick Insects: Stick insects have evolved a slender body shape and coloration that resembles twigs or branches, enabling them to camouflage and avoid predation by blending into their surroundings.
• Praying Mantis: Praying mantises have strong forelegs with spines and sharp claws that they use to catch and immobilize their prey. They also exhibit excellent camouflage, allowing them to ambush unsuspecting insects.
• Toad: Toads possess glandular skin that secretes toxic substances. This toxic skin acts as a deterrent against predators, making them unpalatable or even harmful to potential predators.

 Securing Mates

• Redhead Male and Female Agama Lizards: Male Agama lizards often exhibit bright, vibrant colors on their head, throat, and body during the breeding season. These striking colors help attract females and establish dominance among males, ensuring successful mating.
• Display of Fathers by Birds: Male birds often perform elaborate courtship displays, such as dancing, singing, or building intricate nests, to attract females and demonstrate their fitness as potential mates.

Regulating Body Temperature

• Skin, Feathers, and Hairs: Many organisms possess adaptations for regulating body temperature. For instance, humans have sweat glands in their skin that produce sweat, which evaporates and cools the body. Birds have feathers that help insulate them and regulate heat, while mammals have hairs that provide insulation.

Conserving Water

• Spines in Plants: Desert plants, like cacti, have adapted to arid environments by developing spines instead of leaves. Spines reduce the surface area exposed to the hot sun and minimize water loss through transpiration.
• Scales in Mammals: Some mammals, such as camels, have specialized scales on their skin that reduce water loss through evaporation, enabling them to survive in dry environments.

Remember, these are just a few examples of structural adaptations in organisms. The natural world is full of diverse and fascinating adaptations that allow organisms to thrive in their respective habitats.