* Structural adaptation: This refers to physical features of an organism that help it survive in its environment. Examples include a giraffe's long neck for reaching leaves, a polar bear's thick fur for insulation, or a cactus's spines for water conservation.
* Panting: This is a physiological adaptation, meaning it's a biological process within the body that helps the dog regulate its temperature. Panting is a behavior, not a physical structure.
Here's how panting works as a physiological adaptation:
* Cooling: Panting allows dogs to release heat through their tongue and lungs, helping them stay cool in hot environments.
* Evaporation: As the dog breathes rapidly, moisture from their tongue and respiratory tract evaporates, taking heat with it.
While panting is an important adaptation for dogs, it's not a structural feature. It's a behavioral response triggered by a physiological need.