explain and illustrate how the long-term survival of a species depends on resources that may be limited from time to time.
If there is an annual dry season, the organism will adapt by going into estivation (Lungfish) . If its cold then hibernation (Ground Squirrel)If it is that food will be scarace at one time of year, then a layer of fat may be the adaptation (Elk and Deer).
These are just a few examples; there are multitudes more. Please read:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Estivation
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hibernation
The long-term survival of a species depends on its ability to adapt to changing resources. When resources are limited, organisms must find ways to survive. This could include migrating to a new area, changing their behavior, or developing physical adaptations. For example, some species may migrate to a new area when food is scarce, while others may develop physical adaptations such as thicker fur or larger claws to help them survive in harsher conditions. Additionally, some species may enter a state of dormancy, such as hibernation or estivation, to conserve energy and resources until conditions improve. By adapting to changing resources, species can ensure their long-term survival.
The long-term survival of a species depends on its ability to acquire and utilize resources that are necessary for its survival, such as food, water, shelter, and mates. However, these resources may not always be readily available and can be limited from time to time. To adapt to these limitations, different species have developed various strategies and behaviors to ensure their survival.
One example is the phenomenon of estivation, which occurs in certain organisms during times of extreme heat or drought. During such periods, these organisms enter a state of temporary dormancy, similar to hibernation but specifically adapted to survive harsh and arid conditions. An example of an organism that undergoes estivation is the lungfish. When its habitat becomes dry, the lungfish buries itself in the mud and secretes a mucus-like substance to protect itself from dehydration until the water returns.
Another example is hibernation, which is a state of inactivity that some animals adopt during times of extreme cold or limited food availability. Ground squirrels, for instance, hibernate during the winter when food becomes scarce and the temperature drops. They reduce their metabolic rate, lower their body temperature, and rely on stored energy (fat reserves) to survive until conditions improve.
Similarly, some animals, such as elk and deer, adapt to seasonal variations in food availability by building up a layer of fat when food is abundant. This fat reserve serves as an energy source during times when food is scarce, such as winter. By strategically using their fat reserves, these animals can survive until food becomes more readily available again.
These are just a few examples of how organisms can adapt and survive in situations where resources are limited from time to time. It's important to note that different species have evolved specific mechanisms and behaviors to cope with these challenges based on their unique ecological niche and environmental conditions.
For more information and a broader understanding of these adaptations, I recommend reading the following articles on estivation and hibernation on Wikipedia:
- Estivation: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Estivation
- Hibernation: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hibernation
The long-term survival of a species depends on resources that may be limited from time to time due to various environmental factors such as seasonal changes, disturbances, or natural disasters. Organisms have developed different adaptive strategies to cope with these periods of resource scarcity.
One example of adaptation to resource limitation is estivation. Estivation is a behavioral and physiological adaptation used by some organisms to survive periods of extreme heat or drought. One such organism is the lungfish, which can enter a dormant state during dry seasons. They bury themselves in mud and secrete a mucus cocoon to minimize water loss, reducing their metabolic rate and conserving energy until more favorable conditions return.
Another example of adaptation to limited resources is hibernation. Hibernation is a state of inactivity and metabolic depression that some animals undergo during the winter when food is scarce. Ground squirrels, for instance, hibernate by lowering their body temperature, heart rate, and metabolic rate to conserve energy during periods of reduced food availability. They accumulate fat reserves during the active season, which sustain them throughout the hibernation period.
In cases where food availability fluctuates seasonally, animals may adapt by storing energy reserves. Elk and deer, for example, accumulate a layer of fat during times when food is abundant, such as summer or fall. This fat layer serves as an energy store that sustains them through periods of food scarcity, such as winter when plant growth is limited. By efficiently utilizing stored energy, they can survive until more favorable conditions return.
These examples highlight how different organisms have evolved strategies to cope with limited resources. By entering estivation, hibernation, or storing energy reserves, they are able to survive during periods of resource scarcity, ensuring the long-term survival of their species.