What are physiological adaptations in plants and animals?

Physiological adaptations in plants and animals are internal changes that help them survive in their environment.

In more detail, physiological adaptations are changes in an organism's metabolic processes, which are the chemical reactions that occur in the body. These adaptations can occur over a short period, such as a few generations, and help the organism to survive in its specific environment. They are often responses to environmental changes or stresses, and can include changes in an organism's structure, function, or behaviour.

In plants, physiological adaptations can include changes in photosynthesis rates, water usage, and nutrient absorption. For example, cacti have adapted to survive in arid environments by storing water in their thick stems and having a waxy coating to reduce water loss. Some plants, like the Venus flytrap, have even developed carnivorous habits to supplement their nutrient intake in nutrient-poor soils.

Animals also undergo physiological adaptations to survive in their environments. For example, camels have adapted to desert environments by developing the ability to go without water for long periods, and their humps store fat which can be used as both a food and water source. Polar bears have adapted to cold environments with a high metabolic rate that helps keep them warm, and a layer of blubber for insulation.

Physiological adaptations are not always visible, unlike physical adaptations such as a giraffe's long neck or a cheetah's fast legs. However, they are just as important for an organism's survival. They are a key part of evolution, as they can lead to new species forming if the adaptations become significant enough. Understanding these adaptations can help us to understand how life on Earth has evolved, and how it might continue to evolve in the future.