Interdependence: SC.5.L.17.1

In the 1800s, the US military used horses to transport weapons and supplies through the American West. The dry, hot weather was difficult on the horses, and the terrain lacked the grass that horses fed on. In 1836, a US Army explorer recommended to the military that camels should be used instead.
Why would camels be better to use than horses?

• Camels are native to the American West
• Camels are cheaper to use and eat less food.
• Camels are adapted to live in a hot, dry climate
• Camels are easier to train and can carry more equipment

Two animals that live in Florida are the American bittern and the Key deer. The bittern is a bird that has a buff and brown colored back that allows it to blend in with the sawgrass of the lakes it lives near. When it feels threatened, the bittern freezes and points its head skyward to resemble a reed. The Key deer is brown in color, lives in the forest, and freezes when it feels threatened.  
How do these two animals use similar adaptations in order to survive in their very different environments?

• Both the bittern and the deer use their small size to hide from approaching predators.
• Both animals live in groups and huddle together with their family for protection from predators.
• Both animals use their coloring and lack of big movement to avoid being seen by predators.
• Both the bittern and the deer use the movement of the trees and bushes around them to distract predators so they can escape.

In the savannahs in Africa, elephants and giraffes both use acacia trees for food. What impact would removing these large animals from the savannah most likely have on the surroundings?

• The population of acacia trees would decrease
• The trees would begin to take over and there would be less grass
• The population of smaller animals would take over because there would be no predators
• The large animals in other areas would migrate to the area and eat all of the trees on the savannah

Ashley is identifying insects and finds a Camo Moth. A Camo Moth looks like a leaf and is able to easily blend in with its surroundings. Which of the following is a result of this ability?

• The Camo moth needs less food
• The Camo moth uses less energy
• The Camo moth has fewer offspring to care for
• The Camo moth has a greater chance of survival

Caroline knows that cars using gasoline produce toxins, which reduce air quality. Which of the following is the best way we can reduce toxins in the air?

• Reduce the burning of fossil fuels
• Drill for oil off of Florida's coastlines
• Find different ways to conserve energy use at home
• Increase recycling of paper products, bottles, and cans