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Every organism has features that help it to survive in its environment. These features can affect an organism's chances of reproduction, and therefore the chances of its genes being passed on to the next generation.
Adaptive feature: an inherited feature that helps an organism to survive and reproduce in its environment.
Key Point: Adaptive features are inherited (passed from parents to offspring through genes) and increase an organism's survival and reproductive success.
All fish share certain adaptive features:
| Species | Environment | Adaptive Features |
|---|---|---|
| Pygmy Seahorse | Coral reefs, among sea fans | • Perfect camouflage - pink and white coloration matches sea fans • Small size for hiding |
| Tuna | Open ocean | • Streamlined body for fast swimming • Strong swimming muscles • Teeth for killing prey • More mitochondria in muscle cells for greater energy release through aerobic respiration |
The differences between species extend beyond visible features:
Xerophyte: a plant that has adaptive features that help it to survive in an environment where water is scarce.
Plants that live in deserts can easily run short of water, especially if the temperatures are hot. Desert plants, such as succulents and cacti, must be well adapted to survive in these difficult conditions.
Important: All xerophytes have adaptations that help them to conserve water and survive in a difficult dry environment.
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