Structure & Function Of Living Things

The ability of some fish to live in salt water but lay their eggs in fresh water is an example of adaptation. Adaptation refers to the process by which an organism adjusts to its environment in order to survive and reproduce. In this case, these fish have evolved the ability to tolerate different levels of salinity in order to utilize both salt and fresh water habitats for different stages of their life cycle. This adaptation allows them to take advantage of different resources and increase their chances of survival and reproduction.

Some organisms migrate during winter in order to survive. Migration is the process of moving from one place to another, often in search of more favorable conditions. By migrating to warmer regions during winter, organisms are able to escape the harsh conditions and lack of resources that come with the season. This allows them to find food, shelter, and suitable temperatures for survival.

An organ is a group of tissues that work together to perform a specific task. Tissues are made up of cells, and organs are made up of different types of tissues. Each organ has a specific function within the body, such as the heart pumping blood or the lungs exchanging oxygen and carbon dioxide. Therefore, an organ is the correct answer to describe a group of tissues working together.

The structure of a cow's stomach having four separate chambers is directly related to its function of digesting nutritionally poor food. The four chambers allow for a more efficient digestion process, as the food can be broken down and processed in stages. This close relationship between structure and function is evident in the specific adaptation of the cow's stomach to its dietary needs.

The adaptation mentioned in the other options directly relate to the survival of the organism in its environment. The desert kangaroo rat's ability to obtain liquid from its food, the crocodile's ability to regrow teeth for continued eating, and the snake's ability to go a month without food all help them survive in their respective environments. However, the different hair color of a brother and sister is not an adaptation that aids in survival.

Structure and function are observed at all levels of organization. This means that the relationship between the structure (the way something is built or organized) and the function (the purpose or role it serves) can be seen in organisms, cells, tissues, organs, and even organelles. This concept is a fundamental principle in biology, as the structure of a biological component determines its function and vice versa.