What Are Examples of Physiological Adaptations?
According to the BBC, an animal can physiologically adapt to a new habitat. For example, a fox may adapt to extreme heat in order to survive in the environment. Most animals physiologically adapt by developing means for protection, body temperature regulation and predation.
The BBC states that an animal can physiologically adapt to become tolerant to aridity, chemical pollution, cold temperatures, hot temperatures, altitude and fire. A bird in high altitude adapts to use less oxygen, while a camel adapts to the desert to store nutrients.
Another way that animals can physiologically adapt is through their predations strategies. Snakes physiologically adapted to their environments by evolving to produce venom. The BBC says that animals must physiologically adapt to catch prey in their new environments. Some species develop trapping strategies, while other animals evolve to run faster to chase their prey. Spiders physiologically adapted to their environment by creating webs that trap prey.
The BBC explains that animals develop defense strategies to survive. For example, a mammal may develop scent glands that irritate a predator’s senses. Skunks and weasels have developed such scent glands. Frogs adapted to shoot poison at their enemies to avoid being eaten. Animals must develop defense strategies to keep their species alive.