Challenge 8: Adaptations

The cactus plant and the camel can both live in the desert. Water is very limited in the desert but yet, both the plant and the camel can survive long periods of time without it. What is one way the cactus plant and the camel are similar?

• They don't need water at all.

• They go outside of the desert for water each day.

• They receive water from the constant rainfall in the desert.

• They have ways to store water for long periods of time.

The electric eel is a snake-like fish that lives in the Amazon River Basin of South America. The electric eel has an adaptation that allows it to produce up to a 600-volt electric shock. How does this adaptation help the electric eel to survive in its environment?

• The ability of the electric eel to produce an electric shock helps it to camouflage itself so that it may stay hidden from predators.

• The ability of the electric eel to produce an electric shock helps it to live on land.

• The ability of the electric eel to produce an electric shock helps it to attract resources to produce food and shelter.

• The ability of the electric eel to produce an electric shock helps it to fight off predators and fight for available resources.

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The jaguar is the largest cat in the Americas. it can live in forests, swamps, grasslands, and even deserts. Its fur serves as a camouflage in its environment. Which of the following best describes how its fur acts as a camouflage?

• The fur helps to keep it warm.

• The fur helps it to be noticed.

• The fur helps it blend in with its environment.

• The fur serves as protection to the internal organs.

The desert is a harsh environment with high temperatures and very little precipitation. Which adaptation does NOT help an organism live in the harsh desert climate?

• The ability to store water.

• The instinct to sleep during the day.

• The ability to use gills to take in oxygen.

• The ability to compete for water.

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Plants and animals that live in the ocean habitat must have adaptations which allow them to survive in very cold water with a minimal amount of sunlight. Which statement best describes how plants live in the ocean with minimal sunlight?

• Plants on the ocean floor do not need sunlight to make food because they eat small fish.

• Some plants float to the top of the water to get sunlight for photosynthesis.

• Seaweed and other marine plants get energy from the food chain.

• Plants do not exist in the ocean.

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The musk ox is a hoofed, long-haired animal, with horns. The musk ox has a double coat of hair that reaches almost to the ground. These adaptations of the musk ox make it best suited for which of the following environments?

• Desert

• Tundra

• Rainforest

• Ocean

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

• The population of acacia trees would decreases.

• The trees would begin to take over and there could be less grass.

• The population of smaller animals would take over because their would be no predators.

• The large animals in other areas would migrate to the area and eat ll of the trees on the grassland.

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Ashley is identifying insects and finds a Camo Moth. This 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 need less energy.

• The Camo Moth has fewer offspring to care for.

• The Camo Moth has a greater chance of survival

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The American Black Bear lives in many parts of North America. A black bear in Colorado might hibernate for three or more months in winter, while a black bear in Florida may hibernate for only a few weeks, or not at all. Which best explains why?

• Florida black bears eat different from bears in Colorado and need less rest.

• Florida black bears have less territory and cannot risk a long hibernation.

• Florida black bears hibernate less because their climate is not as cold.

• Florida black bears are a different species from Colorado black bears.

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The Brazilian Pepper plant was brought to Florida for decorating the yards of homes, but it has spread to Florida's wilderness. It is a large plant that grows quickly and has no natural predators. Based on these facts, why is the Brazilian Pepper a problem for Florida's native plants?

• The Brazilian Pepper takes up the space that native plants need in order to grow.

• Animals eat the Brazilian Pepper instead of native plants and spread its seeds instead.

• People prefer the appearance of the Brazilian Pepper so fewer native plants are grown.

• The Brazilian Pepper can pollinate with other plants and damage their ability to reproduce

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