Ecological responses to climate, soil and soil moisture budget: flora and fauna adaptations
Plants and animals develop special features to survive the specific climate, soil type, and water availability of their local ecosystem. These features are called adaptations.
Real World
Sand lizards on Dorset heathland have evolved dark dorsal colouring to absorb heat from sun-warmed sandy soil, a direct adaptation to the low soil moisture and low nutrient conditions of the ecosystem.
Exam Focus
Always link adaptation explicitly to the environmental pressure it solves — vague answers like 'it helps the animal survive' score zero.
Essay Framework
Use PEEL to structure every paragraph. Tap each step for guidance and an example.
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