In the process of evolution, various physiological and behavioral mechanisms have formed in animals, allowing them to better adapt to the environment. What adaptive features of the structure, color and behavior of animals exist? What do they depend on?
Adaptive animal behavior
Behavior refers to actions aimed at interacting with the outside world. It is characteristic of all animal creatures and is one of the main adaptation tools. The principles of animal behavior can change under the influence of external and internal factors.
For the existence of organisms, all environmental factors are important - climate, soil, light, etc. Changes in at least one of them can affect the way they live. Adaptive behavioral patterns of animals help them adapt to new conditions, which means they increase the chances of survival.
Even elementary life forms are capable of responding to environmental stimuli. Protozoa, for example, can move to reduce the negative impact of a factor. In highly organized organisms, behavior is more complex.
They are able not only to perceive information, but also to remember and process it in order to use it in the future for self-preservation. These mechanisms are controlled by the nervous system. Some actions are laid in animals initially, for example, instincts , unconditioned reflexes, others are acquired in the process of learning and adaptation.
Reproductive behavior
Reproduction of offspring is inherent in the nature of every living organism. Adaptive behavior manifests itself during sexual reproduction, when animals need to find a partner, pair with him. With asexual reproduction, such a need does not arise. Courtship is highly developed in higher organisms.
To win a partner, animals perform ritual dances, make various sounds, for example, screaming, trills, singing. Such actions give the opposite sex a signal that the individual is ready for mating. Deer in the mating season emit a special roar, and when meeting with a potential rival, they arrange a fight. Whales touch each other with fins, elephants stroking their trunks.
Adaptive behavior is manifested in parental care, which increases the chances of survival of young individuals. Basically, it is characteristic of vertebrates and consists in building a nest, hatching eggs, feeding and training. Monogamy and strong pairs prevail in species where the young require long-term care.
Food
Adaptive nutritional behavior depends on the biological characteristics of the animal. Hunting is common. It is carried out using surveillance (for squid), traps (for spiders) or simple waiting (for mantis).
To save effort and time, some species use theft. For example, cuckoo bees do not build their own hives, but boldly penetrate into others. They kill the uterus, lay their larvae in the colony, which are fed by unsuspecting worker bees.
Coyotes have adapted due to omnivorousness. So they significantly expanded their habitat. They can live in a desert, mountainous area, even adapted to life near cities. Coyotes eat whatever they want, right down to the carrion.
One way to adapt is by storing food. Insects stock up to feed the larvae. For many rodents, this is part of preparing for the bad season. Hamsters store about 15 kilograms of food by winter.
Protection
Various defensive reactions of animals protect them from enemies. Adaptive behavior in this case can be expressed passively or actively. A passive reaction is manifested by hiding or fleeing. Some animals choose a different tactic. They may pretend to be dead or stand still in place.
Hares run away from danger, confusing their tracks. Hedgehogs prefer to curl up, a turtle hides under a shell, a snail in a shell. Species living in packs or herds try to snuggle closer together. So it is more difficult for a predator to attack a separate individual, and there is a chance that he will abandon his intention.
Active behavior is characterized by a vivid demonstration of aggression to the enemy. A certain posture, the position of the ears, tail and other parts should warn that you should not approach the individual. For example, cats and dogs show fangs, hiss or growl at enemies.
Social behavior
When animals interact with each other, adaptive behavior is different in different species. It depends on the developmental features and way of life of an individual and is aimed at creating favorable living conditions and facilitating the existence.
Ants come together to build anthills, beavers - to build dams. Bees form hives, where each individual fulfills its role. Penguin cubs group together and are supervised by adults while their parents hunt. The cohabitation of many species provides them with protection from predators and group defense in case of attack.
This may include territorial behavior when animals mark their own possessions. Bears scratch the bark of trees, rub against them or leave shreds of wool. Birds give sound signals, some animals use smells.
Structural features
The adaptive features of the structure and behavior of animals are strongly affected by climate. Depending on the degree of humidity of the air, the density of the environment, temperature fluctuations, different forms of the body have historically formed in them. For example, underwater inhabitants - this is a streamlined shape. It helps to move faster and better maneuver.
A typical example of the adaptation of the structure to living conditions is the size of the ears of foxes. The colder the climate, the smaller the ears. In foxes living in the tundra, they are small, but in a fenech living in the desert, ears reach up to 15 cm in length. Big ears help the Fenech to cool in the heat, as well as catch the slightest movement.
The desert inhabitants have nowhere to hide from the enemy, so some have good eyesight and hearing, while others have strong hind limbs for quick movement and jumping (ostriches, kangaroos, jerboas). Speed also saves them from contact with hot sand.
North residents may be slower. The main adaptations for them are a large amount of fat (up to 25% of the whole body of seals), as well as the presence of hair.
Coloring features
An important role is played by the color of the body and coat of the animal. Thermoregulation depends on it. Light color avoids direct sunlight and prevents overheating of the body.
Adaptive features of body color and animal behavior are closely related. During the mating season, bright males attract females. Individuals with the best pattern are eligible for mating. Tritons have colored spots; peacocks have multi-colored feathers.
Color provides protection to animals. Most species are masked by the environment. Poisonous species, on the contrary, can have a bright and defiant coloring that warns of danger. Some animals in color and pattern only imitate poisonous brethren.
Conclusion
Adaptive features of the structure, color and behavior of animals are largely the result of evolution. Differences in appearance and lifestyle are sometimes noticeable even within the same species. The main factor for creating the difference was the environment.
Each organism is maximally adapted for living within its range. In the case when the conditions change, the type of behavior, color and even the structure of the body can change.