Year 10 - Geography
Plant and animal adaptations in cold environments
Cold environments
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This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.
Unit Summary
This unit teaches pupils about the location, characterisitics, opprtunities and challenges associated with one global environment, either hot deserts or cold environments. Pupils will also learn about plant and animal adaptation and about issues facing their chosen environment.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to explain how plants and animals are well adapted to the physical conditions in cold environments and that there are issues related to biodiversity.
Key Notes
- Cold environments are home to a variety of plants and animals.
- Animals in cold environments are well adapted to the physical conditions.
- Plants in cold environments are well adapted to the physical conditions.
- There are issues related to biodiversity in cold environments.
Vocabulary To Learn
- adaptation: evolutionary changes that improve an organism's chance of survival in its environment
- hibernation: a state that certain animals enter to save energy during periods of unfavourable weather conditions or food shortages
- biodiversity: the variety of different types of life found in a particular area
- ecosystem: a community of living organisms and their interactions with their environment
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- That due to the extreme cold climate, particularly during the winter months, that all animals must hibernate to save energy.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Explain this geography topic using two clear key points.
Cold environments are home to a variety of plants and animals. Animals in cold environments are well adapted to the physical conditions.
2. Define this geography term and use it in an example. 'adaptation'
evolutionary changes that improve an organism's chance of survival in its environment.
3. Correct this common geography misunderstanding.
Mistake: That due to the extreme cold climate, particularly during the winter months, that all animals must hibernate to save energy. Correction: Only two polar or tundra species enter full hibernation - the grizzly bear and arctic ground squirrel. Many other animals migrate to find food and warmth, while others are highly adapted to remain active and survive the extremely cold winters.
More Lessons In This Unit
Browse all guides in the Year 10 Geography guide library.