Question

Write a short note on Behavioural adaptations in animals

Answer 1

Behavioural adaptations in animals

Certain organisms are affected by temperature variations. These organisms undergo adaptations such as hibernation, aestivation, migration, etc. to escape environmental stress to suit their natural habitat. These adaptations in the behaviour of an organism are called behavioural adaptations. For example, ectothermal animals and certain endotherms exhibit behavioral adaptations. Ectotherms are cold-blooded animals such as fish, amphibians, reptiles, etc. Their temperature varies with their surroundings. For example, the desert lizard basks in the sun during early hours when the temperature is quite low. However, as the temperature begins to rise, the lizard burrows itself inside the sand to escape the scorching sun. Similar burrowing strategies are exhibited by other desert animals. Certain endotherms (warm-blooded animals) such as birds and mammals escape cold and hot weather conditions by hibernating during winters and aestivating during summers. They hide in shelters such as caves, burrows, etc. to protect against temperature variations.

Answer 2

Behavioural adaptations in animals.

1. To cope up with extreme variations in their environment, some organisms respond behaviourally (like migration, hibernation, and aestivation).
2. For e.g. Desert lizards manage to keep their body temperature fairly constant by behavioural adaptations.
3. They bask in the sun and absorb heat when their body temperature drops below the comfort zone. But when the ambient temperature starts increasing, they move into the shade.
4. Some species burrow into the sand to hide and escape from the heat.