Biology Essay- on the common wombat, focusing on adaptions PDF

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essay depth study on The Australian common wombat. details on how the organism has evolved and what adaptions (structural, physiological, and behavioural) have contributed to their survival...

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1. Depth Study

The Common Wombat How the species has evolved and adapted to suit its changing environment AbstractThe changing climate and environment of the australian landscape has had a major impact on the Common Wombat. To survive these changes the Common Wombat has evolved in many ways, allowing them to adapt to suit the fast-changing conditions. The research outlines and explains the adaptations that the Common Wombat has developed over the 40 million years that it has walked the earth. Throughout the research, the data found is discussed and linked to the wombat’s survival and evolution. The adaptations discovered on the Common Wombat are of utmost importance as they are a vital part of their evolution and the continual survival of the species throughout the changing environment. The structural, behavioural and physiological adaptations are clearly stated and evidence of evolution is explained, the many attributes that have contributed to the development of the Common Wombat can draw a connection to its evolution. The explained data is found from a range of sources, these including articles, scholar statements, scientific findings, websites and essays. These sources are evidential of the Common Wombats adaptations and evolution. The research identifies the various ways in which the Common Wombat has adapted and evolved over time, this being through a multitude of physiological, behavioural and structural changes. IntroductionThe common wombat is a large, stocky marsupial mammal found in Australia, and many surrounding islands. They are estimated to have diverged from other Australian marsupials as long as 40 million years ago. Over this time period, the Common Wombat has adapted to better suit the changing Australian climate and landscape, as well as aiding in their evolution and survival. The term ‘evolution’ refers to a drastic or gradual change that occurs to an organism over a period of time (Charles Darwin1). Evolution is a biological process and tool for any living species to allow an organism to adjust to its environment and surroundings. Wombats have changed significantly over the time of their existence through the process of evolution. From huge 2000kg mammals that roamed Australia's vast grasslands millions of years ago, to the now smaller marsupial mammals that can be seen on the side of roads or near their well built burrows. The Common Wombat is an iconic Australian animal and its adapted body and well adjusted behavioral characteristics have assisted in the species survival. This article will address the structural, behavioural and physiological adaptations that the Common Wombat has undergone, and study the ways in which these adjustments have assisted in their survival and the distinct ways they have adapted to protect themselves and their population from extinction.

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The theory of evolution is a shortened form of the term “theory of evolution by natural selection,” which was proposed by Charles Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace in the nineteenth century.

2. Depth Study STRUCTURALStructural adaptations are physical features of an organism like the bill on a bird or the fur on a bear (Squam Lake Natural Science Center) Similarly to any other marsupial, wombats have a fur lined pouch that provides warmth and the nipples of the marsupial that provide the nutrients that are vital for the development of the newborn young. This is where the undeveloped young will spend an extended period of time (7-10 months) (wildlife rescue WIRES 2018). The common wombat has a special difference though- they have adapted to suit their environment and their burrowing nature by having a rear facing and opening pouch. This is a structural adaptation in response to the wombats digging habitat and burrowing nature. If the pouch was positioned facing forward it would fill with dirt and could potentially harm the wombats young, by being adapted with a rear facing pouch it allows the joey to have a higher chance of survival.( glenda Chidrawi, Margaret Robson, Elizabeth Thrum, Sarah Bradstock. Published 2017)

This adaptation assists with the survival of the Common Wombats species. Common Wombats spend approximately 3-8 hours a night feeding and grazing on native grasses as well as roots of shrubs and trees (Peter Marinacci 2012). Many plants that the wombat feed on are high in silica, which is quite abrasive to the teeth. Over time the wombat has adapted to their diet as they are constantly gnawing at tough fibrous material which could wear their teeth down and as a subsequent course of this, eventually lead to starvation. The wombat has 24 rootless teeth that grow continuously to replace those that are worn down or damaged by the silica (Australian Adaptations 2015). In this way their teeth are unique to that of any other marsupials, but are relatively common to a rodent's tooth structure. The tooth structure is uniquely adapted to the wombats diet, they have a large pair of robust incisors in the lower and upper jaw. The incisors are deep rooted allowing them more power for snapping off grass material, as well as having premolars that provide a larger surface area for the grinding of plant material. In relation to the Common Wombats diet, studies have shown that a wombats jaw is flexible and able to change and adapt to suit their diet. Having a flexible jaw is an advantage to the survival of the wombat by allowing them to better adapt to the changes occurring in Australian vegetation due to climate change as well as new food matter in conservation sanctuaries: ‘An international study, co-led by The University of Queensland's Dr Vera Weisbecker, has revealed that wombat jaws appear to change in relation to their diets.2 "The survival of wombats depends on their ability to chew large amounts of tough plants such as grasses, roots and even bark," Dr Weisbecker said. "Climate change and drought are thought to make these plants even tougher, which might require further short-term adaptations of the skull.’ (direct statement from article from the university of Queensland, 29/11/19) 2

An artist’s impression of Mukupirna nambensis l. Image credit: Peter Schouten. 2015

3. Depth Study The common wombat evolved to fill the vacant spaces that arose through-out Australian grasslands during the Micone period,their diet needed to adjust to the change that occurred in the Australian environment, from rainforests to the grasslands we see today. This is a clear example of how evolution has allowed the Common Wombat to adapt to the changing world and the effects of climate change on their environment. The wombat evolved from a burrowing marsupial called ‘Mukupirna’, this suggests that the present day Common Wombat had already evolved digging adaptations from 25 million years ago. Wombats have evolved distinctive features like continuously growing cheek teeth and further digging specialisations much later. ‘Mukupirna also appears to have been a digger, “with powerfully muscled forelimbs and hands that can work like shovels” (lead author Robin Beck from the University of Salford, UK.) This could reflect the evolution of burrowing and provides data that exemplifies the evolution from the Mukupina to the modern day wombat. Wombats dig extensive burrowing systems with their teeth and their claws. They are equipped with long and sharp claws on their front two legs. These claws allow the wombat to dig through the toughest soil to make their burrows. (Natalie parletta 26 june 2020)

BEHAVIOURALBehavioural adaptations are responses made by an organism that help it to survive/reproduce (BBC 2020). As stated prior, the wombat is constantly burrowing and creating extensive burrowing systems. A behavioural adaptation that the wombat has developed to protect themselves from predators is to strategically face their tough skinned back towards the entrance of the burrow. By doing this the common wombat is able to cleverly use the tough rump to provide protection from the predator's claws and teeth. Their rump is more durable compared to exposing their faces. Due to the wombat's rear being tough and full of cartilage, facing their rump towards the entrance provides difficulty to predators like dingos or dogs, from penetrating their bodies. In the case of an attack the common wombat will run into their burrows and purposefully stick the rear towards the entrance of the burrow, not only does this protect themselves from predatorial harm, it also allows them to protect any young that may also be with them. The common wombat has behaviourally adapted to strategically feed during the night. This benefits the wombat because at night there may not be as many predators roaming around. "During the winter, they'll often come up in the afternoons or mornings and have a feed, then head back down and stay in their burrows through the night, because it's just too cold and they can conserve energy," explains Barbara Triggs, a wombat expert since 1972. "In summer they often won't emerge until midnight." (direct quote from Barbara Triggs, 2015) PHYSIOLOGICALPhysiological adaptations are a body process that helps an organism to survive/reproduce (BBC 2020).

In relation to the behavioural adaptation stated above, the common wombat has a physiological adaptation that allows them to endure long periods of time without water, as well as having an extremely slow metabolism. The wombat are amongst the lowest water consumers of any mammal on earth (statement from Gary Humble, 2006). Being able to last

4. Depth Study periods of time with little to no water aids the wombats survival as due to the varying weather patterns and hot conditions in Australia the adaptation of lasting for over a few days without water has helped the species survive during these times. The different habitats of the common wombat, such as grasslands or rocky alpines can also be barren with little to no water,meaning this adjustment to the environment allows the wombat to survive until a valuable water source is found. They conserve water in all aspects of their lives, including excreting droppings four times drier than a camel's. The common wombat is closely related to the koala, their likeness can be examined through their sleeping patterns with both mammals sleeping up to over 16 hours a day. Sleeping benefits the wombat as it allows them to slow their heart beat, metabolism and their respiratory system which allows them to conserve a greater amount of energy. The common wombat's metabolism has been described as ‘almost reptilian’, which allows them to convert food to energy three times faster than the Kangaroo. The temperature in the wombat's burrow is extremely important, as its stability allows the wombat to manage its energy usage efficiently throughout an entire year. The common wombat is able to drop their body temperature while sleeping which in turn slows their metabolism, meaning they do not need to consume as much food as other mammals. The nocturnal nature of the common wombat also benefits their energy usage in many ways. CONCLUSIONThe Common Wombats adaptations have had a major impact on their survival and evolution. The structural adaptations such as their rear opening pouch and continually growing teeth have aided the wombats survival by allowing them to protect their young as well as adapting to the environment's changing food sources. The Common Wombats strategic behavioural changes and adaptations have allowed them to subsist and adjust to a changing country and its inconsistent climate. Through the Common Wombats physiological adaptations it is evident that the adaptations are interrelated and work together to support the Wombats survival, this can be seen through their ability to endure extended periods of time without the existence of water. The adaptations stated in the prior essay exemplifies the evidence of evolution in the Common Wombats species. From the beginnings of the Makupirna, the modern wombat has evolved to better suit the current environment whilst still maintaining characteristics of their ancient ancestors. Evolution implies that organisms are continually adapting to adjust to their surroundings, it is possible that in the next few hundred years the modern wombat may have evolved again and maintain other adaptations that allow it to support its species survival.

REFERENCE LIST:

5. Depth Study tan, s., 2015. Common Wombat Adaptations. [online] Biological adaptations. Available at:

[Accessed 11 May 2021]. 1. 2. This article examines the biological adaptations of the common wombat 3. The authors research focuses on the structural, physiological and behavioural adaptations of the common wombat and gives evidence on how these adaptations have supported the wombats survival 4. Theories are supported by well-known researchers in this field, such as the Australian Museum and National Geographic 5. The article is useful for the research study as it gave valid research and data about all 3 adaptations of the Common Wombat and helped to structure the depth study Australian Adaptations. 2015. Adaptations. [online] Available at: [Accessed 14 May 2021]. 1. 2. This article examines the biological adaptations of the wombat 3. The authors research focuses on the Common Wombats behavioural, physiological and structural adaptations, and links its usefulness to their survival. An example of this would be the data the author has collected on the wombats continually growing teeth that save them from starvation. 4. Theories are supported by well-known researchers in this field, such as the Australian Museum and also sites like Wombania and wombatcreative.com.au that provide evidence of the wombats adaptations 5. The article is useful for the study because it gives secondary information to support the data discovered on the prior websites. A limitation of this is the adaptation information was not clearly linked to the wombats survival. Parletta, N., 2020. Meet a giant ancestor of wombats. [online] Cosmos Magazine. Available at: [Accessed 12 May 2021]. 1. 2. This article examines the use of prehistoric fossils to support the the data found on the Common Wombats evolution 3. The authors research focuses on scientific findings of fossils (skull and partial skeleton) that is evidence of the ‘Makupirna’(prehistoric wombat ancestor) and how it links to vombatiformes evolution 4. The theories presented in the article are supported by scientific findings as well as comments on the research from primary sources such as, Mike Archer from Australia’s University of NSW, Julien Louys, Griffith University and Robin Beck, University of Salford. 5. The article was extremely useful to the study as it gave insight into the ancestors of the wombat and gave primary evidence of how the wombat evolved from the Makupirna and what adaptations it has developed over time to suit the changed environment weisbecker, v., 2019. Jaw-some wombats may be great survivors. [online] UQ News. Available at: [Accessed 12 May 2021]. Pham, D. and Pham, D., 2010. Amazing Natural Packaging: The Wombat's Super Butt!. [online] Inhabitat.com. Available at: [Accessed 14 May 2021].

6. Depth Study

Humble, G., 2006. The uncommon wombat › Nature Features (ABC Science). [online] Abc.net.au. Available at: [Accessed 17 May 2021]. AUEssays. November 2018. Fossil Record Evidence for Evolution. [online]. Available from: https://www.auessays.com/essays/biology/fossil-record-theories-evolution.php?vref=1 [Accessed 20 May 2021]. staff, n., 2020. Mukupirna. [image] Available at: [Accessed 20 May 2021]. Society, N., 2019. Theory of Evolution. [online] National Geographic Society. Available at: [Accessed 26 May 2021]. found, n., 2020. Evolution by natural selection - Adaptations - National 4 Biology Revision - BBC Bitesize. [online] BBC Bitesize. Available at: [Accessed 28 May 2021]....