Hot, wet and wild

Extreme conditions call for extreme adaptations

Different environments call for specific adaptations and animals have evolved in ways that allow them to survive and flourish in terrain considered harsh by human standards.

Students meet some animals that can drink salt water, survive for months living off fat alone, and regulate their body temperatures. They investigate structural, physiological and behavioural adaptations that relate to thermoregulation and water balance in animals such as the red panda, penguin, wombat and lizard.

Topics covered include:

• Vaso-dilation/constriction
• Metabolic water
• Surface area to volume ratio
• Counter-current heat exchange

This program can be used to meet the requirements of the School Assessed Coursework (SAC).