18.2

Adaptive features

Cambridge IGCSE Biology (0610)  · Unit 18: Variation and selection  · 9 flashcards

Adaptive features is topic 18.2 in the Cambridge IGCSE Biology (0610) syllabus , positioned in Unit 18 — Variation and selection , alongside Variation and Selection.  In one line: An adaptive feature is an inherited characteristic that enhances an organism's survival and reproductive success in its specific environment.

This topic is examined in Paper 1 (multiple-choice) and Papers 3/4 (theory), plus Paper 5 or Paper 6 (practical / alternative to practical). Past papers from 2022 to 2025 record 1 explicit question on this topic — though the concept underpins many adjacent topics, so it is tested far more often than that figure suggests.

The deck below contains 9 flashcards — 1 definition, 4 key concepts, 1 process card and 3 identification cards — covering the precise wording mark schemes reward.  Use the definition card to lock down command-word answers (define, state), then move on to the concept and application cards to handle explain, describe and compare questions.

Key definition

An adaptive feature

An adaptive feature is an inherited characteristic that enhances an organism's survival and reproductive success in its specific environment.

Example: the thick fur of a polar bear allows it to survive in freezing Arctic conditions.

What the Cambridge 0610 syllabus says

Official 2026-2028 spec

These are the exact learning objectives Cambridge sets for this topic. Match the command word (Describe, Explain, State, etc.) in your answer to score full marks.

  1. Describe Describe an adaptive feature as an inherited feature that helps an organism to survive and reproduce in its environment
  2. Interpret Interpret images or other information about a species to describe its adaptive features
  3. Explain Explain the adaptive features of hydrophytes and xerophytes to their environments Supplement
Definition Flip

What is an adaptive feature?

Answer Flip

An adaptive feature is an inherited characteristic that enhances an organism's survival and reproductive success in its specific environment.

Example: the thick fur of a polar bear allows it to survive in freezing Arctic conditions.
Key Concept Flip

Give an example of a behavioural adaptation that increases survival rates

Answer Flip

Migration is a behavioural adaptation where animals move to more favourable conditions.

Example: some species of birds migrate to warmer areas during winter to find food and avoid cold temperatures, increasing their survival chances.
Key Concept Flip

Describe an adaptive feature of a desert plant (xerophyte) to conserve water.

Answer Flip

Xerophytes often have reduced leaves or spines to minimize the surface area for transpiration, which reduces water loss.

Example: cacti have spines instead of leaves, significantly decreasing water loss in arid environments.
Key Concept Flip

How does a waxy cuticle help a plant adapt to drier climates?

Answer Flip

The waxy cuticle is a waterproof layer on the leaf surface that reduces water loss through evaporation.

Example: plants like succulents have thick waxy cuticles to prevent excessive transpiration in hot, dry conditions.
Key Concept Flip

Describe an adaptive feature of hydrophytes.

Answer Flip

Hydrophytes often have large air spaces in their leaves and stems to increase buoyancy and facilitate gas exchange underwater.

Example: water lilies have large air spaces that allow their leaves to float on the water's surface to capture sunlight.
Key Concept Flip

How do hydrophytes obtain sufficient oxygen in waterlogged environments?

Answer Flip

Many hydrophytes have aerenchyma, which are tissues with large air spaces, that allow oxygen to diffuse from aerial parts of the plant to submerged roots. An example is the water hyacinth which has air-filled structures that aid in flotation and aeration of submerged parts.

Key Concept Flip

Explain how deep roots are an adaptive feature for plants in dry environments.

Answer Flip

Deep roots allow plants to access water sources far below the surface, enabling them to survive in areas with low rainfall.

Example: the mesquite tree has roots that can extend up to 50 meters deep to reach groundwater.
Key Concept Flip

What are rolled leaves and how do they benefit some plants?

Answer Flip

Rolled leaves are a method of reducing water loss from the lower epidermis as it shelters the stomata and traps a layer of humid air. An example is marram grass which is common on sand dunes.

Key Concept Flip

How does natural selection lead to adaptive features?

Answer Flip

Organisms with traits best suited to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing those advantageous traits to their offspring. Over time, this process leads to populations that are well-adapted to their environment.

Example: peppered moths evolved darker coloration in industrial areas to better camouflage against soot-covered trees.

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18.1 Variation 18.3 Selection

Key Questions: Adaptive features

What is an adaptive feature?

An adaptive feature is an inherited characteristic that enhances an organism's survival and reproductive success in its specific environment.

Example: the thick fur of a polar bear allows it to survive in freezing Arctic conditions.

Tips to avoid common mistakes in Adaptive features

More topics in Unit 18 — Variation and selection

Adaptive features sits alongside these Biology decks in the same syllabus unit. Each uses the same spaced-repetition system, so progress in one informs the next.

18.1 Variation

12 flashcards
18.3 Selection

12 flashcards

Cambridge syllabus keywords to use in your answers

These are the official Cambridge 0610 terms tagged to this section. Mark schemes credit responses that use the exact term — weave them into your answers verbatim rather than paraphrasing.

adaptation adaptive feature survival environment camouflage xerophyte hydrophyte

Key terms covered in this Adaptive features deck

Every term below is defined in the flashcards above. Use the list as a quick recall test before your exam — if you can't define one of these in your own words, flip back to that card.

Adaptive feature

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How to study this Adaptive features deck

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