Organisms are adapted to survive in different conditions.

Over many generations,

these adaptations have come about through variation. Variation involves small
changes between organisms which may allow that organism to compete better for
survival. Variation can have environmental or genetic causes.

Adaptation
Darwin's theory of evolution explains how species of living things have changed over geological
time. The theory is supported by evidence from fossils and by the rapid changes that can be
seen to occur in microorganisms such as antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Many species have become
extinct in the past, and the extinction of species continues to happen.

Cold climates
Every organism has certain features or characteristics that allow it to live successfully in its
habitat. These features are called adaptations, and we say that the organism is adapted to
its habitat.Organisms living in different habitats need different adaptations.

The polar bear

Polar bears are well adapted for survival in the Arctic. They have:
 a white appearance, as camouflage from prey on the snow and ice
 thick layers of fat and fur, for insulation against the cold
 a small surface area to volume ratio, to minimise heat loss
 a greasy coat, which sheds water after swimming.

The polar bear is adapted to life in a cold climate

Watch more polar bear videos on BBC Nature, and discover how well polar bears and their
cubs are adapted to the extreme environment they live in.

The snowshoe hare

The snowshoe hare has white fur in the winter and reddish-brown fur in the summer. This means
that it is camouflaged from its predators for most of the year.

Arctic plants
The Arctic is cold and windy with very little rainfall. Plants in the Arctic often grow very close to
the ground and have small leaves. This helps to conserve water and to avoid damage by the
wind.

Extreme environments
Some organisms are adapted to extreme environments: for example, deep sea hydrothermal
vents.
 A pompeii worm

The Pompeii worm is adapted to the high temperatures and pressures of the hydrothermal vents
by:
 using a thick layer of bacteria to protect it from heat
 hiding inside a papery tube to protect it from predators.
In an exam you will need to be able to describe the variation and explain how it helps
the organism to survive.