Describe the forms of fitness of organisms.

Structural adaptations. The body’s environment shapes its appearance through structural adaptations. Desert foxes have large ears to radiate heat, while Arctic foxes have small ears to retain body heat. Seals have flippers for navigating the water, and raccoons have separate flexible claws for manipulating food.

Physiological adaptations. Based on body chemistry and metabolism, physiological adaptations usually do not manifest externally. They are made up of things like more efficient desert animal buds.

Behavioral adaptations. Adaptations that affect the body’s actions are called behavioral adaptations. Bears hibernate to avoid the cold; birds and whales migrate to warmer winter climates. In hot summer weather, desert animals are active at night.