Summary “VKU250 Adaptation Physiology – FULL Exam Guide (TNZ, Heat Stress, Traits + Easy Explained)”

VKU 250 – ADAPTATION PHYSIOLOGY (FULL MASTER
NOTES)

1. INTRODUCTION
WHAT IS ADAPTATION PHYSIOLOGY?
Definitions (EXAM IMPORTANT)
Adaptation
The process by which an organism becomes better suited to its environment
Physiology
How the body functions


MAIN QUESTION (FROM YOUR SLIDES)
“Why can Merino survive in Northern Cape?”
Answer:
• Adaptation (physiological + genetic + behavioural)


2. LEARNING OUTCOMES (YOU MUST BE ABLE TO
DO THIS)
From your slides:
• Explain importance of adaptation
• Describe adaptive mechanisms
• Compare breeds + environments
• Link to Bonsma’s wheel
This tells you:
They WILL ask application questions


3. TRAITS, PHENOTYPE & ADAPTATION
TRAIT
• Measurable characteristic
• Example:
o Weight (kg)
o Height (cm)


PHENOTYPE
• Observed performance of a trait
Example:
• Milk yield
• Growth rate

, TYPES OF ADAPTIVE TRAITS
1. FITNESS TRAITS
• Survival traits
Examples:
• Heat tolerance (Bos indicus)
• Disease resistance (Nguni)


2. PRODUCTION & TYPE TRAITS
Examples:
• Large ears → heat loss (Boran)
• Heat-tolerant cattle maintain production


3. QUALITY TRAITS
Examples:
• Meat toughness
• Fat distribution


4. BEHAVIOURAL TRAITS
Examples:
• Flightiness
• Predator awareness


4. ADAPTABILITY (VERY IMPORTANT CONCEPT)
DEFINITION:
Adaptability = ability to:
1. Survive NOW
2. Survive FUTURE conditions
3. Produce enough to justify farming


HOW WE STUDY IT:
• Homeostasis
• Physiological adaptations
• Genetic adaptations