In the long-term interaction with the environment, organisms have formed some characteristics with survival significance. Relying on these characteristics, organisms can avoid the adverse effects and injuries of various environmental factors, and at the same time, they can effectively obtain necessary materials and energy from their habitats to ensure the normal development of individuals. This phenomenon in nature is called "ecological adaptation". Ecological adaptation is a very common phenomenon in biology, which can be generally divided into convergent adaptation and divergent adaptation.
1. convergent adaptation (lifestyle)
Convergent adaptation refers to the phenomenon that different kinds of organisms, living in the same or similar environmental conditions for a long time, show similarities in morphology, physiology, development, adaptation methods and ways through variation, selection and adaptation.
Bats and birds, whales and fish are typical examples of convergent adaptation. Bats and whales are both mammals, but the forelimbs of bats are different from ordinary mammals, similar to the wings of birds, and suitable for flying activities; Because whales live in water environment for a long time, their bodies are spindle-shaped and their forelimbs develop into pectoral fins similar to fish.
The convergence phenomena in plants, such as cactus living in the desert, overlord whip of Euphorbiaceae, immortal pen of Compositae, etc., belong to different plant groups, but all rely on succulents to adapt to arid habitats. According to the results of convergence, plants can be divided into different life forms regardless of their status in the classification system, and they all belong to the same life form as long as they have the same adaptation methods and ways. There are different ways to divide life forms, such as dividing plants into trees, shrubs, semi-shrubs, woody vines, perennial herbs, annual herbs and so on.
2. Divergent adaptation (ecotype)
Divergent adaptation refers to the same kind of organisms with similar kinship, living in different environmental conditions for a long time, forming different morphological structures, physiological characteristics, adaptation methods and ways. The result of divergent adaptation is to diversify the organisms of the same group, thus occupying and adapting to different spaces, reducing competition and making full use of environmental resources.
Plant ecotype is a concept corresponding to life form, which refers to different groups in the same organism that adapt to different ecological conditions or regions. Their differences stem from genetic differences and can be inherited. According to the leading factors causing ecotype differentiation, ecotypes can be divided into climate ecotype, soil ecotype and biological ecotype.
Second, the biological impact on the environment.
In the relationship between organisms and the environment, due to the complexity and changefulness of the environment, organisms always seem to be in a subordinate and dominated position, and can only passively adapt and escape. In fact, this is only one aspect of their relationship. As a whole, life can not only passively adapt to the environment, but also actively influence and transform the environment, thus keeping the environment relatively stable and developing in a direction conducive to biological survival. Regarding the positive role of living things in the environment, British scientist J Lovelock put forward the Gaia hypothesis in 1960s, that is, the Goddess of the Earth hypothesis. This hypothesis holds that the temperature and chemical composition of the earth's surface are actively regulated by the whole life (biosphere) on the earth's surface. The composition, temperature and redox state of the earth's atmosphere change due to astronomical, biological or other interference, resulting in deviation. Organisms cope with deviations by changing their own growth and metabolism, such as photosynthesis absorbing CO2 and releasing O2, respiration absorbing O2 and releasing CO2, excreting wastes and decomposing. To alleviate these changes on the earth's surface.
Gaia hypothesis is of great practical ecological significance and is attracting more and more attention. Since the industrial revolution, various environmental and resource problems have become increasingly prominent, and greenhouse effect, acid rain, soil erosion and forest decline have seriously threatened the sustainable development of mankind. Forests, especially tropical rainforests, have the reputation of "the lungs of the earth" and play an irreplaceable role in regulating climate, maintaining the balance of O2 and CO2 in the air, and maintaining soil and water. The reduction of forests means the weakening of adjustment ability. At present, the increase of atmospheric CO2 concentration is related to the massive combustion of fossil fuels, and the sharp decrease of forest area is also an important factor.
Environmental influencer
People's emotions are like a blank sheet of paper. Changes in environmental factors will leave traces on it and have different effects on physical and mental health.
Climate-meteorological psychologists point out that people's physical and mental reactions are deeply influenced by meteorological factors, which in turn affect people's behavior. American researchers have found that attacks and violent crimes increase as the temperature rises; Heavy rain will make people depressed and reduce the crime rate; With the increase of cloud cover, theft and attacks also increase; The decrease of air pressure often makes people restless and suicides increase. Because the climate will affect people's mood and work efficiency. Favorable meteorological conditions (temperature, humidity, airflow, light, etc.). ) can make people feel high, full of enthusiasm and work efficiency; Instead, it will make people depressed and inefficient.
Light-dim light can easily make people feel depressed, as the ancient poem says, "It's dark and depressing." Therefore, in France, whenever the rainy season lasts, some factories dress up their workshops as sunrise and dawn with lights. Near noon, the lights are brightly lit, showing a clear atmosphere of Wan Li and "sunshine"; It's almost time to get off work, and it's another scene of the "sun" setting in the west and shining in the sun. It is said that such an artificial environment can stimulate people's spirit and improve work efficiency.
Color-color acts on people's senses, can stimulate people's association and affect people's psychology. When you see red, you will think of the sun and flames, and the whole person will feel warm and excited. If you see blue, you will think of the ocean and the blue sky, so you will feel cool. Seeing oranges will make people think of oranges, make them feel sweet and arouse their appetite; When you see black or dark blue, you will feel depressed, afraid and nervous. Therefore, to eliminate irritability and anger, we must avoid red. To resolve depression, we should avoid approaching depressing colors such as black and dark blue, and choose colors that can make people feel happy. In order to reduce anxiety and tension, we should choose some light colors with soothing and calming effects. For example, hospitals often use light blue to calm patients' mood.
Sound-People living in a noisy environment will feel nervous, worried and anxious. People's tolerance for noise is limited. When stimulated or provoked by others, some people often lose control of themselves and even lead to violence. Lance Kane, an American psychologist, believes that noise will stimulate people's body and mind and affect the friendship between people.
Music-pregnant women listening to melodious music can make the fetus develop well; Listening to music can calm the parturient, relieve pain, promote the smooth delivery of the fetus and increase milk secretion. Patients with melancholy mood can choose to listen to cheerful, excited and smooth music; Patients with emotional anxiety and boredom can choose to listen to ancient songs with beautiful artistic conception and elegant style. Patients with hypertension should not listen to fast-paced stimulating music; Melancholy and sad people should not listen to deep and sad music.
In addition, in a crowded environment, people are prone to mental fatigue due to mutual interference, contact and collision, resulting in impatience, tension, trouble and anxiety.