Adaptations and survival of a species

What is a specially developed characteristic that enables an organism to live in a specific environment?

• adaptations

• natural selection

• survival of the fittest

• variations

The black-tailed jackrabbit has large ears and long legs that help release heat. How has this adaptation prevented the species from becoming extinct?

• it prevents them from getting lost when they burrow

• it helps them maintain internal body temperature in the hot desert climate

• it allows them to retain more fat from food

• it helps them attract a mate

Some opossums play dead while others show their teeth in certain situations. How does the behavior of playing dead help the opossum?

• it helps the opossum avoid predators

• it helps the opossum locate predators

• it helps the opossum overcome predators

• it helps the opossum stay alert about predators

Why do the Galapagos finches have different beak sizes and shapes?

• to drink more water

• to build different types of nests

• to protect themselves from predators

• to take advantage of different types of food

Which statement supports the theory of natural selection?

• all organisms produce more offspring than can survive

• organisms live in harmony with one another despite limited resources

• organisms with favorable traits are more likely to die

• over time advantageous traits will be found in more of the population

Which phrase best defines natural selection?

• elimination of the smallest organisms by the largest organisms

• survival of the organisms which occupy a very large area in the environment

• survival of the organisms that best adapt to the environment

• elimination of the weakest organisms by the strongest organisms

What will most likely happen to a species if the environment changes more quickly than the species can adapt?

• become more diverse

• evolve

• become extinct

• overpopulate

Young deer have reddish-brown coats with white spots that help them blend in with the trees where they live. What is an advantage of this adaptation?

• it helps the parents locate their young ones quickly

• it helps the young deer stay warm in cold weather

• it helps the parents find food in the woods quickly

• it helps the young deer avoid being spotted by predators

Which adaptation is best suited for an animal to survive in cold climates?

• air pockets in bones

• large ears

• sharp claws

• thick layers of fat

Dark moths began to outnumber white moths in cities after the Industrial Revolution. What is the most likely reason for this change?

• light colored moths mutated into dark colored moths

• light colored moths began to die due to overpopulation

• light colored moths were less favored for survival in the new environment

• light colored moths began to turn black because of factory pollution