How does the environment influence traits in plants and animals? Give a specific example for each.

Answer 1

The environment plays a significant role in influencing the traits of both plants and animals through natural selection and adaptation. Here are specific examples for each:

1. Plants:
Environment: Availability of sunlight
Example: In response to the amount of sunlight present in their environment, certain plants have developed specific traits. For instance, shade-tolerant plants, such as ferns and certain mosses, have adapted by growing larger leaves or increasing their photosynthetic efficiency to make the most of limited sunlight. Conversely, plants in sun-exposed areas have developed smaller leaves and thick cuticles to prevent excessive water loss and protect against high light intensity.

2. Animals:
Environment: Predation pressure
Example: Consider the camouflage mechanisms observed in several animal species, such as the peppered moth (Biston betularia). Before the industrial revolution, most peppered moths had light-colored wings, which provided effective camouflage against tree bark and lichens where they rested during the day. However, as industrialization caused pollution and darkened the tree trunks, the frequency of dark-colored moths increased due to their improved camouflage against the soot-covered surfaces. This shift in coloration illustrates how predation pressure caused by environmental changes influences the traits of animals.