Physiological Adaptation

Edexcel AS-level BiologyNatural SelectionLesson 5 of 29

Physiological adaptations are processes inside an organism's body, such as its biochemistry, metabolism and the way its organs work. They are often invisible from the outside.

Examples in animals
• Hibernation: animals such as hedgehogs lower their metabolic rate and body temperature in winter, saving energy when food is scarce.
• Antifreeze proteins: some Antarctic fish make antifreeze proteins that stop ice crystals forming in their blood and tissues at temperatures below 0 °C.
• Water conservation: kangaroo rats rarely drink. They gain much of their water as metabolic water, released by respiration of the food they eat, and they produce very concentrated urine.

More in Natural Selection

• The Theory of Evolution
• Neo-Darwinism
• Adaptation
• Anatomical Adaptation
• Behavioural Adaptation
• Grayling Butterflies
• Fungal Carnivores
• The Same Species in Different Environments

All 29 lessons in Natural Selection · All Edexcel AS-level Biology topics