Organisms are suited to the environment they live in. They have structural, behavioural and functional features that allow them to survive. Extremophiles are adapted to extreme and harsh living conditions.

Adaptations

Definition

Adaptations are special features that organisms have that are suited to the environment they live in. Adaptations can be structural, behavioural or functional.

Adaptation	Description	Example(s)
Structural	These are features of an organism's body structure like shape or colour.	Arctic foxes have white fur so they cannot be seen against the snow. This protects them from predators and allows them to sneak up on prey. Animals that live in hot environments like camels have a thin layer of fat and a large surface area to volume ratio. This helps them lose heat and stay cool.
Behavioural	These are the ways an organism behaves.	Many species of birds migrate to warmer climates during winter to avoid living in cold conditions and the associated problems.
Functional	These are things that happen inside an organism's body.	Desert animals produce very little sweat and small amounts of concentrated urine to ensure they do not lose too much water.

Extremophiles

Definition

Extremophiles are microorganisms that are adapted to living in extreme conditions.

Examples

Extreme condition	Environment
High temperature	Volcanic vents
High salt concentration	Salty lakes
High pressure	Deep sea vents

Learn with Basics

Length:

Unit 1

Human evolution and what fossils can tell us

Unit 2

The process of natural selection

Jump Ahead

Optional

Unit 3

Adaptations and extremophiles

Final Test

Create an account to complete the exercises

FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions

What are extremophiles?

Extremophiles are microorganisms that are adapted to living in extreme conditions.

What are the three types of adaptations?

Adaptations can be structural, behavioural or functional.

What is an adaptation?

Adaptations are special features that organisms have that are suited to the environment they live in.

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Adaptations and extremophiles

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Explainer Video

Tutor: Jasmine

Summary

Adaptations and extremophiles

In a nutshell

Adaptations

Definition

Adaptations are special features that organisms have that are suited to the environment they live in. Adaptations can be structural, behavioural or functional.

Adaptation	Description	Example(s)
Structural	These are features of an organism's body structure like shape or colour.	Arctic foxes have white fur so they cannot be seen against the snow. This protects them from predators and allows them to sneak up on prey. Animals that live in hot environments like camels have a thin layer of fat and a large surface area to volume ratio. This helps them lose heat and stay cool.
Behavioural	These are the ways an organism behaves.	Many species of birds migrate to warmer climates during winter to avoid living in cold conditions and the associated problems.
Functional	These are things that happen inside an organism's body.	Desert animals produce very little sweat and small amounts of concentrated urine to ensure they do not lose too much water.

Extremophiles

Definition

Extremophiles are microorganisms that are adapted to living in extreme conditions.

Examples

Extreme condition	Environment
High temperature	Volcanic vents
High salt concentration	Salty lakes
High pressure	Deep sea vents

Learn with Basics

Length:

Unit 1

Human evolution and what fossils can tell us

Unit 2

The process of natural selection

Jump Ahead

Optional

Unit 3

Adaptations and extremophiles

Final Test

Create an account to complete the exercises

FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions

What are extremophiles?

Extremophiles are microorganisms that are adapted to living in extreme conditions.

What are the three types of adaptations?

Adaptations can be structural, behavioural or functional.

What is an adaptation?

Adaptations are special features that organisms have that are suited to the environment they live in.

Adaptations and extremophiles

Videos

Summary

Exercises

Select Lesson

Exam Board

Biology practicals

Ecosystems and material cycles

Exchange and transport in animals

Animal coordination, control and homeostasis

Plant structures and their functions

Health, disease and the development of medicines

Natural selection and genetic modification

Genetics

Cells and control

Key concepts

Working scientifically

Practical skills

Explainer Video

Summary

Adaptations and extremophiles

In a nutshell

Adaptations

Definition

Adaptation

Description

Example(s)

Extremophiles

Definition

Examples

Extreme condition

Environment

Learn with Basics

Unit 1

Human evolution and what fossils can tell us

Unit 2

The process of natural selection

Jump Ahead

Unit 3

Adaptations and extremophiles

Final Test

FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions

What are extremophiles?

What are the three types of adaptations?

What is an adaptation?

Adaptations and extremophiles

Videos

Summary

Exercises

Select Lesson

Exam Board

Biology practicals

Ecosystems and material cycles

Exchange and transport in animals

Animal coordination, control and homeostasis

Plant structures and their functions

Health, disease and the development of medicines

Natural selection and genetic modification

Genetics

Cells and control

Key concepts

Working scientifically

Practical skills

Explainer Video

Summary

Adaptations and extremophiles

In a nutshell

Adaptations

Definition

Adaptation

Description

Example(s)

Extremophiles

Definition

Examples

Extreme condition

Environment

Learn with Basics

Unit 1

Human evolution and what fossils can tell us