4.10A Structures and Functions

4.10A Structures and Functions

By Susan Barron

Structure

A part of the body that helps an organism survive.

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Example: Legs, ​beak, tail, feathers, hands, leaves, thorns

Function

How a structure helps an organism survive.

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Function

Examples:

• Thorns protect plants from being eaten.

• ​Elephant's trunks help them drink.

• Plants stems ​transport water/food and supports the plant

• ​A Komodo dragon's tail balances it as it runs

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Multiple Choice

The tail on a spider monkey is an example of a -

• Function

• Structure

Multiple Choice

The very large hooked beak on an Eagle is used to rip the meat from its prey. This is an example of a--

• Structure

• Function

Multiple Choice

The teeth on a crocodile is an example of a ---

• Structure

• Function

Multiple Choice

The roots of a plant absorbs water and minerals from the soil. This is an example of a ---

• Function

• Structure

Experiment: Bird Beaks

Pelican

Has a conical shaped beak used for cracking tough seeds.

Hummingbird

Has long, needlelike beaks that they use to probe deep inside flowers to retrieve the nectar.

Chickadee

Has a small sharp beak used to scour the ground for worms and grubs.

Cardinal

Has a round tipped bill that is used to scoop its prey from the water. The beak allows it to filter out excessive water.

Blue Heron

Has a round tipped bill that is used to scoop its prey from the water. The beak allows it to filter out excessive water.

Experiment: Bird Beaks

​Let's get started!