Mentoring Minds page 324 # 1-14

A student reads the following information.

Which of the following animals most likely has the characteristics described?

• Polar Bear

• Red Kangaroo

• Desert Fox

• Western Gorilla

Cows and deer are herbivores. They have an adaptation which helps them cover enough ground to find food and water. This adaptation is called ---

• hooves

• paws

• claws

• toenails

Many animals are aquatic, such as a platypus and frog. A structure that is beneficial for both of these aquatic animals is ---

• down feathers

• long tail

• webbed feet

• scaly skin

Elk and bighorn sheep are grazers. A structural adaptation that helps meet the needs for this type of diet is ---

• camouflaged fur

• flat teeth

• weaved feet

• good eyesight

Bactrian camels have special features that allow them to move in harsh, hot climates. These camels have long eyelashes and ears lined with hair. They also have nostrils that they can close when needed. Which is most likely the reason camels have adaptations?

• Protection from hot weather

• Protections from sandstorms

• Protection from rain storms

• Protection from predators

The kangaroo rat lives in the drier areas of western and southwestern United States. It is very small and has a long tail and large back legs that allow it to jump up to 2.7 meters.

• dig burrows

• leap away from predators

• listen for danger

• attract a mate

In an activity, students observe and record information about bird feet. Four students write explanations telling why geese have webbed feet.

Which students's statement is the best reason why geese have webbed feet?

• Geese live in muddy areas. Webbed feet keep them from sinking in the mud.

• Geese fly south each winter. Webbed feet can be used to steer when flying.

• Geese spend most of their time around water. Webbed feet help geese swim.

• Geese live in cold areas. Webbed feet see them from getting stuck in the snow.

Students collect data about the arctic fox. They learn it can change colors from brown to white.

What conclusion can be drawn from the table about the color change?

• Color changes help the fox with camouflage.

• Color changes help the fox find shelter

• Color changes help the fox stay cooler.

• Color changes help the fox move faster.

The main purpose for the flyer below is to ----

• encourage students to join a club

• compare the structures and functions of beaks and feet

• persuade others to fight against habitat destruction

• list the names of all the birds living in the city

Everything in nature has a reason for how it is structured and how it behaves. It is important to learn about animals and how they survive in their environments. Which of the following questions CANNOT be answered from studying animal structures and their function?

• How do animals instinctively survive changes made within a ecosystem?

• What are some structural adaptations for living on water and on land

• What observations can be made about body parts of aquatic animals?

• What are some physical features of prairie animals that help them adapt to climate?