Fact or Opinion: All living things make adaptations.
Fact- Adapations allow animals to survive.
Thinking back about our first Mystery Science in this unit, why did they find fossils of shells and fish in the middle of Illinois?
At one point in history, the state of Illinois was part of the ocean.
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What would happen to a polar bear if it lived in the woods in Tacoma?
It would not fit in because polar bears are white to blend in with the snow. It could be easily hunted by hungry predators.
Fact or Opinion: Hibernation is an adaptation.
Fact- Some animals would not be able to survive the harsh winter months without the adaptation of hibernation.
Thinking back to Mystery Science #2, why do scientist think that dinosaurs are related to reptiles?
The skull of many dinosaurs have many extra holes that are similar to skulls of reptiles.
Why do animals have large ears in the desert?
The large ears help the release heat into the air and stay cool.
What adaptations do humans make to live in Tacoma, WA?
Humans wear warmer clothes in the fall and winter. Lighter clothes in spring and summer. Homes with air conditioning and heat.
Fact or Opinion: Butterflies are very pretty to look at which probably keeps many safe from predators.
Opinion- Coloring is an adaptation, but stating they are pretty is an opinion.
Thinking back to Mystery Science #3- how did the ancient Chinese culture create a Pekinese breed dog from a large wolf type dog?
They used selection. They selected the smallest dogs and continued to breed the smallest dogs.
What does a waxy surface on a desert plant help the plant to do?
The waxy surface helps slow water evaporation or loss of water.
Why are bears not true hibernators?
Their bodies slow down, but they have to wake up sometimes to eat.
Fact or Opinion: Birds migrate because they are too lazy to find food during the winter.
Opinion- You cannot prove laziness in birds.
Thinking back to Mystery Science #4, how can the introduction of a non native species (brown anoles) affect the behavior of native species (green anoles)
Could a penguin live in your backyard in Tacoma? Why or why not?
The penguin does not have the proper adaptations to allow it to survive. It does not have the necessary food or body to keep it cool in the hot summer months. Also predators might be able to get it as it cannot blend into our environment.
Why do different kinds of birds need different kinds of beaks?
For example a pelican has a large bowl-like beak and a sparrow has a short, sharp beak.They need different beaks because their diets are different depending on where they live.
Fact or Opinon: Mrs. DeJesus is the most amazing teacher in the world!
Opinon- ALthough you should think that, it is not something that can be proven.
Thinking back to Mystery Science #5- How do animals benefit from communicating and working in groups?
Animals can use groups for protection, finding food, and staying warm
Name a predator that a mouse might have.
Answers will vary.