IB Biology Topic B4.1: Adaptation to Environment Questionbank

The climatic positions of four sites are shown. Which sequence identifies P, Q, R and S, respectively?

Which of the following statements best distinguishes an adaptation from an acquired characteristic?

Temperature favours 18 °C; salinity has little effect between 18–38 ppt

Salinity favours 28 ppt; temperature has little effect between 18–28 °C

Salinity favours 38 ppt; temperature has little effect between 18–28 °C

Temperature favours 28 °C; salinity has little effect between 18–38 ppt

Broad leaves triple carbon fixation per unit leaf area

Broad leaves intercept more light; fixation per area is similar

Small leaves increase fixation per unit area by limiting water loss

Equal leaf numbers give equal total light-intercepting area

Tropical forest; hot desert; taiga; temperate forest

Hot desert; tropical forest; taiga; temperate forest

Tropical forest; hot desert; temperate forest; taiga

Tundra; hot desert; taiga; tropical forest

Adaptations arise through diet; acquired traits are inherited

Acquired traits are based on genetics; adaptations are environmental

Adaptations improve fitness and are passed on; acquired traits are not heritable

Adaptations occur during an organism’s life; acquired traits are evolutionary