Adaptations

Biology

a.any alteration in the structure or function of an organism or any of its parts that results fromnatural selection and by which the organism becomes better fitted to survive and multiply in itsenvironment.

b. a form or structure modified to fit a changed environment.

c. the ability of a species to survive in a particular ecological niche, especially because of alterationsof form or behavior brought about through natural selection.

Loons

While most birds have hollow bones to make flight easier, many of the loon’s bones are solid, making them less buoyant and better for swimming and diving. Loons can also compress their feathers to squeeze out trapped air when diving. Loons float low in the water and usually make strong, arching dives; but they can also sink quietly below the surface like a submarine to avoid danger.

The adaptations that make loons superb divers and swimmers also make them ungainly on land. They walk with their breast low to the ground in a shuffling gait. Koyukon elders teach that loons shouldn’t be eaten by young people or women of childbearing age because it would make them, or their children, clumsy and slow walkers like the loon.Loons cannot take off from land, nor can they burst up from the water like many ducks—they need a long run into the wind to get airborne. Because of this, common loons can only live on large lakes with enough room for takeoff.

Muskoxen

Muskoxen are beautifully adapted to extreme arctic conditions. They live on open, unsheltered tundra, enduring shuddering gales, blowing snow and temperatures of –40 degrees or colder in the winter.

One key to their hardiness is their extraordinary fur which consists of two layers. The very long outer hair is the longest fur of any North American animal; and the thick wooly coat of underfur—known by the Eskimo name Qiviut—is eight times warmer than sheep’s wool. Qiviut is also much more durable than wool, yet it is finer than cashmere.

Other adaptations to cold include a barrel-shaped body and short legs, which reduce the ratio of body mass to surface area, minimizing heat loss. Muskoxen can be up to seven feet long with short legs and broad, stout cloven hooves, giving them a long, thick, brawny build. Bulls are around five feet tall at the shoulder and weigh 600-800 pounds, and the cows reach about four feet tall and weigh 400-500 pounds.

Pasque Flower

This plant ranges throughout the northwestern United States and up to northern Alaska. Its covering of fine silky hairs provides insulation. Because this plant grows in cold climates the silky hairs help this plant to survive nad reproduce. Without this layer the flowers would die before they could reproduce causing a threat of extinction.

Arctic Poppy

This plant is about 10-15 cm tall, with a single flower per stem. The flower heads follow the sun, and the cup-shaped petals help absorb solar energy. They also group in large quantities. Because when in colder environment its most likely due to the lack of sun. The cup-shaped petals allow the plant to grasp as much sun rays to proceed with photosynthesis. The grouping helps the plants to keep warm. This plant has adpated to the winter climate.

References:

Loon [Web Graphic]. Retrieved from http://swanlakemaine.org/loon.php

Musk Ox at Animal Corner. (n.d.). Musk Ox at Animal Corner. Retrieved May 24, 2014, from http://www.animalcorner.co.uk/wildlife/muskox.html

States. National Park Service. (2014, May 23). Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve (U.S. National Park Service). National Parks Service. Retrieved May 24, 2014, from http://www.nps.gov/gaar/index.htm

Plants of the Arctic and Antarctic — Polar Plants — Beyond Penguins and Polar Bears. (n.d.).Beyond Penguins and Polar Bears Plants of the Arctic and Antarctic Comments. Retrieved May 24, 2014, from http://beyondpenguins.ehe.osu.edu/issue/polar-plants/plants-of-the-arctic-and-antarctic