AKS 8 - Inherited Traits/Learned Behaviors

The list describes some characteristics of the gray fox, which is found in the eastern

forests of Georgia.

CHARACTERISTICS OF A GRAY FOX

gray fur with a long, black stripe running down its back

diet can include rabbits, mice, birds, fruit, and plants

is a fast runner and an excellent tree climber

predators can include bobcats, coyotes, and hawks

What question can be asked to determine which characteristic is a learned behavior?

• What else do the predators eat in the habitat of gray foxes?

• Why do gray foxes climb trees?

• What is the purpose of the black stripe on gray foxes?

The list describes some characteristics of the swamp rabbit, which is found mainly in the

Piedmont region of Georgia.

CHARACTERISTICS OF A SWAMP RABBIT

is the largest type of rabbit found in Georgia

has brown-black fur with a white underbelly

will head toward water to swim away when threatened

predators include bobcats, owls, and alligators

What question can be asked to determine which characteristic is a learned behavior?

• How large are other types of rabbits in Georgia?

• What do other rabbits do when they are threatened?

• What are the largest predators of the swamp rabbits?

• How does its fur color help to protect the swamp rabbit?

Joe is doing a research project on bird characteristics and behaviors. Which of the

following is the most reliable resource for him to use for information?

• a universally accepted paper written by an expert on birds

• a classmate's report on bird characteristics and behaviors

• a dictionary entry about birds

• a dictionary entry about birds

Rashad watched two mockingbirds that were competing with one another. He took notes

on the interactions between the birds every week for a month. Which of his notes is an

observation?

• The mockingbird with the smaller beak built a complex nest.

• The mockingbird with the larger beak does not like the rain.

• The mockingbird with the smaller beak does not sing well.

• The mockingbird with the larger beak built a larger nest.

• growing a thick coat of fur

• using a set of sharp teeth

• growing strong legs

• working in groups

If a young song sparrow is raised in isolation in a soundproof chamber, it will sing a nearly

normal song when it is mature. However, it will be able to sing more variations of the song

if it is allowed to hear other birds sing as it grows. What do these findings indicate?

• The ability of song sparrows to sing is a learned behavior.

• Song sparrows use conditioning to teach themselves to sing.

• Sounds produced by other birds cause young song sparrows to sing.

• Song development in this species involves both innate behavior and learning.

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• W

• X

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Emily has brown hair. Which is most likely a true statement about Emily?

• Emily’s favorite color is brown.
• Emily has a parent with brown hair.
• Emily’s older brother has brown hair. 

Bunny A’s fur is all brown, while his brother and sisters are half brown and half white. The bunnies’ father is all brown, and the mother bunny is half brown and half white. Which best describes why Bunny A has brown fur?

• The bunny inherited a brown fur characteristic from each parent. 
• The bunny inherited a white fur characteristic from each parent. 
• The bunny rejected the white characteristics from its mother.
• The bunny rejected the brown characteristics from its father.

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James and his father are both great athletes. Which characteristic did James most likely learn from his father?

• height and weight
• fast swimming stroke
• large feet and hands
• muscular body structure

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