Adaptive behavior of animals

In the process of evolution, animals developed different physiological and behavioral mechanisms that allow 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 behavior of animals

Behavior refers to actions aimed at interacting with the outside world. It is characteristic of all animal creatures and is one of the main instruments of adaptation. Principles of animal behavior can vary under the influence of external and internal factors.

For the existence of organisms, all environmental factors-climate, soil, light, etc., are important. Changes in at least one of them can affect the way they live. Adaptive features of animal behavior help them adapt to new conditions, and thus increase the chances of survival.

Even elementary forms of life are capable of responding to environmental stimuli. Protozoa, for example, can move to reduce the negative impact of any factor. In highly organized organisms, behavior is more complex.

They are able not only to perceive information, but also to memorize and process it, in order to use it in future for self-preservation. These mechanisms are controlled by the nervous system. Some actions are inherent in animals from the beginning, for example, instincts, unconditioned reflexes, others are acquired in the process of learning and adapting.

Reproductive behavior

Reproduction of offspring is inherent in the nature of every living organism. Adaptive behavior manifests itself in sexual reproduction, when animals need to find a partner, to form a pair with him. In asexual reproduction, such a need does not arise. Courtship is highly developed in higher organisms.

To win a partner, animals perform ritual dances, publish various sounds, for example, screams, trills, singing. Such actions give the opposite signal to the opposite sex that the individual is ready for mating. Deer in the mating season publish a special roar, and when meeting a potential rival, they arrange a fight. Whales touch each other with fins, elephants are truncated with proboscis.

Adaptive behavior manifests itself in parental care, which increases the chances of young individuals to survive. It is mainly characteristic of vertebrates and consists in the construction of a nest, incubating eggs, feeding and training. Monogamy and strong pairs predominate in species where the cubs require long-term care.

Food

Adaptive behavior associated with nutrition depends on the biological characteristics of the animal. A common thing is hunting. It is carried out with the help of surveillance (in squid), traps (in spiders) or simple waiting (in mantises).

To save effort and time, some species use theft. For example, bee-cuckoos 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 adapted through omnivorousness. So they greatly expanded the habitat. They can live in a desert, mountainous area, even adapted to life near cities. Eat coyotes, anything, down to the ground.

One way to adapt is to store food. Insects are stockpiled to feed the larvae. For many rodents, this is part of the preparation for an unfavorable season. Hamsters to the winter store about 15 kilograms of food.

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 different tactics. They can pretend to be dead or stay motionless in place.

Hares escape from danger, confusing their tracks. Hedgehogs prefer to curl up a ball, the turtle hides under the shell, the snail - in the sink. Species that live in flocks or herds, try to tighten each other closer. So it is more difficult for a predator to attack an individual, and there is a possibility that he will give up his intention.

Active behavior is characterized by a vivid demonstration of aggression to the enemy. A certain posture, position of the ears, tail and other parts should warn that the individual should not be approached. For example, cats and dogs show fangs, hiss or growl at enemies.

Public behavior

When animals interact with each other, adaptive behavior differs in different species. It depends on the features of the development and mode of life of an individual and is aimed at creating favorable living conditions and facilitating the existence.

Ants combine to build anthills, beavers - to build dams. Bees form hives, where each individual performs its role. Penguin cubs are grouped together and under the supervision of adults while their parents hunt. Joint living of many species provides them with protection from predators and group defense in the event of an attack.

This can include territorial behavior, when animals mark their own possessions. Bears scratch the bark of trees, rub against them or leave scraps of wool. Birds give sounds, some animals use odors.

Features of the structure

The climate has a strong impact on the adaptive features of the structure and behavior of animals. Depending on the degree of air humidity, the density of the environment, temperature fluctuations, they have historically formed different forms of the body. For example, underwater inhabitants are a streamlined form. It helps to move faster and maneuver better.

A typical example of adaptation of the structure to living conditions is the size of the ears of foxes. The colder the climate, the less ears. Arctic foxes live in the tundra, they are small, but in the feneka living in the desert, the ears reach up to 15 cm in length. Big ears help the fenik to cool in the heat, and also to catch the slightest movement.

Desert inhabitants have nowhere to hide from the enemy, so some have good eyesight and hearing, others have strong hind legs for quick movement and jumping (ostriches, kangaroos, jerboas). Speed also saves them from contact with hot sand.

The inhabitants of the north can be more sluggish. The main devices for them are a large amount of fat (up to 25% of the total body in seals), as well as the presence of hair follicles.

Paint features

An important role is played by the color of the animal's body and coat. Thermoregulation depends on it. Light color allows you to avoid exposure to direct sunlight and prevent overheating of the body.

Adaptive features of body coloration and animal behavior are closely related to each other. During the mating season, the bright color of males attracts females. Individuals with the best pattern get the right to mating. Tritons have colored spots, peacocks have multi-colored feathers.

Color provides animal protection. Most species masquerade as the environment. Poisonous species on the contrary can have a bright and evocative color, warning of danger. Some animals coloring 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 way of life are sometimes noticeable even within one species. The main factor for the formation of the difference was the environment.

Each organism is maximally adapted to dwell within its range. In the case when conditions change, the type of behavior, color and even the structure of the organism can change.