Animal Structures
What is a physical structure that helps an animal survive called?
An Adaptation
What adaptation helps chameleons and octopuses blend into their environment?
Camouflage
Which plant structure transports water from the roots to the leaves?
The stem
What is the difference between instinct and learned behavior?
Instinct is inherited; learned behavior is taught or gained through experience.
Why are many animals in snowy environments white?
To blend in with snow and avoid predators
What structure helps birds fly?
Wings
Why do many Arctic animals have thick layers of blubber?
To store energy and stay warm in cold temperatures.
Why do many desert plants have thick stems?
To store water
A baby sea turtle moving toward the ocean after hatching is an example of what type of behavior?
Instinct
How do nocturnal behaviors help desert animals survive?
They avoid the heat by being active at night.
How do a polar bear's large paws help it survive in the Arctic?
They help it walk on ice and swim in water.
How do webbed feet help animals like ducks and frogs survive?
They help them move efficiently through water.
What is the main function of roots besides anchoring the plant?
Absorbing water and nutrients from the soil.
A bear learning to open trash cans in neighborhoods is what type of behavior?
Learned
Why might an animal with thick fur struggle to survive in a tropical rainforest?
It would overheat
Describe the relationship between a structure and function.
Provide an example.
A structure is the body part of the animal and the function is what that body part does.
Why do many desert animals have large ears?
To release heat and keep their bodies cool
How do waxy leaves help plants survive in hot environments?
They reduce water loss.
Why is migration considered an instinctive behavior?
Animals are born knowing when and where to migrate.
A scientist observes two birds that eat the same type of insects. One bird has a long, thin beak, and the other has a short, thick beak.
Question:
Explain how these different beak structures might help the birds survive in different environments.
The bird with the long, thin beak can reach insects inside tree bark or flowers, while the bird with the short, thick beak can grab or crush insects on the ground or in harder surfaces. The different structures help them get food in different environments.
To allow it to peck into trees without damaging its brain.
An Arctic fox and a desert fox are closely related animals. The Arctic fox has small ears and thick fur, while the desert fox has very large ears and thinner fur.
Question:
Explain how these differences in structures help each fox survive in its environment.
The Arctic fox’s small ears and thick fur help it keep heat in and stay warm, while the desert fox’s large ears and thinner fur help it release heat and stay cool.
Two plants are growing in different environments. One has very deep roots, while the other has wide, shallow roots that spread out near the surface.
Question:
Which plant most likely lives in a desert and why?
The plant with deep roots most likely lives in the desert because the roots can reach underground water sources that are far below the surface.
Why might learned behaviors help animals survive in changing environments?
They allow animals to adapt to new situations or find new food sources.
A scientist moves a group of snowshoe hares to a forest that does not get snow in the winter. These hares normally grow white fur in winter and brown fur in summer.
Question:
Explain why this adaptation might become a disadvantage in the new environment.
The hares’ white winter fur would no longer provide camouflage, making them easier for predators to see and catch.