Final answer:
Adaptations such as webbed feet, thick fur, and fast speed are heritable traits that aid survival and reproduction in specific environments, but can be detrimental when environmental conditions change.
Step-by-step explanation:
Adaptation in Animals
An adaptation is a heritable trait that helps an organism's survival and reproduction in its present environment. Different animals have adaptations that are specialized for their particular ecological niches. For instance, webbed feet of platypuses are an adaptation for swimming, aiding them in moving efficiently in water. The snow leopard's thick fur is an adaptation for living in cold environments, helping to insulate the body against frigid temperatures. On the other hand, the cheetah's fast speed is an adaptation that facilitates the catching of prey on open savannas.
Animal adaptations are tied closely to their environments, with features such as thick fur which may be advantageous in cold climates but can be detrimental in hot climates, making it harder for animals to dissipate heat. This is seen in polar bears whose fur and a layer of blubber are essential for heat conservation in Arctic ecosystems. Conversely, animals in hotter environments evolve to have less fur and may exhibit behaviors or physical traits that help to dissipate heat to maintain a stable internal temperature.
The suitability of an adaptation can change if the environment changes, which means what was once a beneficial trait can become a disadvantage. In changing climates, the adaptability of a species to new conditions can determine its survival.