Fossils
True or false: fossils can only be from animals
False: Plants can also become fossils
Name one way polar bears are adapted to their habitat.
Thick skin, fat, white fur, large paws, good swimmers, curved nails
What is a variation?
The small differences in characteristics between individuals of the same species
True or false: It is better for individuals in a species to look different from each other
True! If they were all the same, they would all be easily found by predators or get wiped out by the same disease.
True or false: All animals are made with sexual reproduction and all plants are made with asexual reproduction
False! There are some plants that use sexual reproduction and some animals that use asexual reproduction
Define fossils
Fossils are evidence of living things preserved in rocks
Explain one plant that is adapted to their habitat
Ex: Cacti are made for the desert because they are able to store a lot of water and have skin that absorbs a lot of water
When we chart variations, what shape is typical?
A bell curve
Which would have a better chance for survival from predators in a forested area: a bright green frog or a dark green frog? Explain
A dark green frog. They would blend into their surroundings better
Will asexual or sexual reproduction produce offspring identical to the parent?
Asexual
What type of fossil is a footprint?
Trace fossil
How are conifers adapted to live in cold habitats?
How can the environment a plant is in change it?
If it does not get a lot of sunlight/water/nutrients, it will look different
Explain survival of the fittest
Having a characteristic that helps an individual survive when others don't. Only the living things that survive go on to have offspring, which have the useful characteristic.
What is one advantage and disadvantage of sexual reproduction?
Advantage: They can inherit traits from both parents which can help with adaptation
Disadvantage: Takes longer
What is the difference between a body fossil and trace fossil?
A body fossil is parts of a plant or animal turned to stone. A trace fossil is when an imprint of a living thing is filled up with material that hardens into rock.
Why can being well adapted to the environment be a disadvantage?
They will not be adapted to other habitats. Also, if their habitat changes, they may not be able to survive.
What is inherited variation? Give an example.
Mixing of information passed on from parents.
Ex: eye colour
How can a species develop in a different environment?
They adapt to their surroundings slowly and eventually may be a different species (Galapagos finches ex)
Is reproduction necessary? Why or why not?
Yes. If a species cannot reproduce, they will become extinct.
Why did dinosaurs go extinct?
Scientists believe an asteroid hit the earth and they could not adapt to the new conditions
Arctic rabbits have fur that changes for the season. Explain what changes and why.
They have white fur in the winter and brown fur in the summer. This is to help blend in with their surroundings and avoid becoming prey.
What is environmental variation? Give an example.
When change happens because of how and where a living thing lives.
Ex: A lion will grow bigger if it gets a lot of food compared to one that does not get a lot of food
Give an example of survival of the fittest
Teacher approved answer
Why do some animals have many offspring at once?
It helps to make sure that at least some offspring will survive to become adults (typically with animals that have a lower rate of survival, like fish and insects)