Question

Contrast swimming and flying in terms of the main problems they pose and the adaptations that allow animals to overcome those problems.

Short answer

The fundamental issue with swimming is a drag; a fusiform body reduces pain. The major challenge in flying is defying gravity; airfoil-shaped wings produce lift, and adaptations such as air-filled bones minimize body mass.

Step-by-step solution

Adaptation in the living organism

Living things are suited to their environment. Adaptation is because they have unique characteristics that aid in their survival. The evolution of these unique characteristics is the outcome of gene mutation. These mutations benefit in survival and reproduction and are passed down from generation to generation.

Main problems in swimming and flying

Each mode of locomotion—swimming, walking, or flying—presents a unique set of challenges. Swimmers, for example, must resist friction but face less of a barrier from gravity than animals that move on land or fly.

Contrast swimming and flying in terms of the main problems and their pose and adaptations

An animal's wings must acquire enough lift to counteract gravity's downward force to fly. The design of the wings is crucial in solving this problem.All wings function as structures known as airfoils. Whose shape modifies air currents in a way that benefits animals or airplanes remain in the air.

In terms of the body to which the wings are attached. As an example, a fusiform shape reduces drag in the air. The body masses of flying animals range from less than a gram for small insects to almost 20 kg for the giant flying birds in the water.

In contrast, most animals are buoyant in water. Resisting gravity is easier for swimming animals than for those traveling on land or via air. On the other hand, water is a much denser and much more viscous medium than air, and as a result, drag (friction) is a severe issue for aquatic species.

Fast swimmers frequently adopt a sleek, fusiform (torpedo-like) shape.