Question

Write a short note on behavioural adaptations in animals.

Answer 1

1. Certain organisms are affected by temperature variations. These organisms undergo adaptations such as hibernation, aestivation, migration, etc., to escape environmental stress and suit their natural habitat. These adaptations in the behaviour of an organism are called behavioural adaptations.
2. Ectothermic animals are cold-blooded animals such as fish, amphibians, and reptiles. Their body temperature varies with their surroundings.
3. The desert lizard basks in the sun during early hours when the temperature is low. As the temperature rises, it burrows into the sand to escape the scorching heat. Other desert animals also exhibit similar burrowing strategies.
4. Endothermic (warm-blooded) animals such as birds and mammals escape cold and hot weather conditions by hibernating during winters and aestivating during summers.
5. They hide in shelters such as caves and burrows to protect themselves from temperature variations.

Answer 2

1. To cope with extreme environmental variations, some organisms respond behaviourally (like migration, hibernation, and aestivation).
2. For example, desert lizards maintain their body temperature fairly constant through 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.