Acclimatization - Definition and Differences

Acclimatization: Understanding the Process of Adjustment in Organisms to Environmental Changes

Acclimatization, also known as acclimation, is a process in which individuals adjust to changes occurring in their environment to enhance their chances of survival. It involves behavioral and physiological changes that allow organisms to adapt to factors such as altitude, temperature, humidity, photoperiod, and pH. Through acclimatization, organisms make themselves capable of thriving in adverse conditions. Unlike long-term adaptation, acclimatization occurs relatively quickly, usually taking hours or weeks. It is a reversible process, and the changes that occur are referred to as phenotypic changes.

 

Define Acclimatization:

Acclimatization can be defined as the adjustment that organisms undergo by modifying their behavior and physiology in response to environmental changes. These changes are reversible and occur within a short duration of time, allowing individuals to cope with the altered conditions.

 

What difference In Acclimatization And Adaptation?

The main difference between acclimatization and adaptation lies in their time scales and genetic basis. Acclimatization occurs within the lifetime of an individual and is limited by the genetic makeup of the organism. In contrast, adaptation occurs over multiple generations and involves genetic changes that enhance the survival and reproductive success of a population in a newly formed environment. While acclimatization involves reversible changes, adaptation typically leads to irreversible genetic changes that become fixed in a population.

To illustrate the concept of acclimatization, let's consider the example of tomatoes. Tomatoes are typically grown in temperate climates. However, they can survive in freezing temperatures if the temperature drops gradually instead of suddenly. In this case, the short-term adjustment exhibited by tomatoes to cope with adverse climate conditions is an example of acclimatization.

Another example of adaptation can be observed in certain desert plants that bloom only at night. This adaptation helps prevent dehydration in extreme desert heat. Additionally, these plants often have a waxy coating on their leaves, which aids in reducing water loss through evaporation.

 

Acclimatization in Humans

Humans also undergo acclimatization in response to changes in their environment. One notable example is acclimatization to high altitudes. When individuals travel to higher altitude locations and spend a significant amount of time there, their bodies undergo various changes to adapt to the reduced air pressure and lower oxygen levels. These changes include an increase in the synthesis of red blood cells, an increase in pulmonary artery pressure, an increase in the depth of respiration, and an increase in the volume of breath during inhalation. Acclimatization to high altitudes is crucial for individuals to avoid altitude sickness, a common and mild condition that can be overcome with sufficient acclimatization. However, in extreme cases, high altitude cerebral edema can occur, which is a life-threatening condition requiring immediate medical attention.

Deep-sea divers also experience acclimatization when ascending from certain depths. The process of decompression plays a crucial role in this type of acclimatization. During deep dives, inert gases dissolve in the diver's body due to the increased hydrostatic and ambient pressures. To prevent decompression sickness, divers must ascend gradually, allowing the dissolved gases to be eliminated from their bodies at several stops during the ascent. Failure to properly decompress can result in the formation of bubbles inside the body, leading to debilitating pain, coma, or even death.

In conclusion, acclimatization is a process through which organisms adjust their behavior and physiology to adapt to changes in their environment. It involves reversible phenotypic changes that occur within a relatively short period of time. Acclimatization differs from long-term adaptation, which occurs over multiple generations and involves genetic changes. Examples of acclimatization can be observed in various organisms, including humans, as they respond to changes in altitude, temperature, humidity, and other environmental factors. By acclimatizing, individuals increase their chances of survival in adverse conditions.

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