5th Grade Science STAAR 2017-2018 5.10A

After a trip to an aquarium, some students compared the tail fin of sharks with the tail fin of bony fish. The students made a chart listing characteristics of each type of tail fin.

Based on this information, what is most likely an advantage of the bony fish tail fin over the shark tail fin?

• It is easier for a bony fish to change direction quickly since muscles control the movement of the tail fin.

• The bones in the tail fin help a bony fish sink to lower depths in the water when searching for food.

• The flexible tail is fanned by the water, so a bony fish uses less energy to swim.

• The think spines of the tail fin present the bony fish being seen by larger predator fish.

The leaves of two types of plants that live in different environments are shown in the pictures.

The leaves of both plants have different structures. What differences in the structure of the leaves of these plants likely help them survive in their environment?

• The pan-like shape of the giant water lily leaves help them catch rainwater.

  The slim shape of the mesquite leaves them avoid sunlight.

• The broad shape of the giant water lily leaves helps them stay on the water surface.

  The slim shape of the mesquite leaves help them prevent water loss.

• The pan-like shape of the giant water lily leaves helps them attract fish.

  The slim shape of the mesquite leaves them avoid herbivores.

• The broad shape of the giant water lily leaves helps attract aquatic birds.

  The slim shape of the mesquite leaves help them attract pollinators.

The table gives information about four types of fish. These fish all have mouth structures that allow then to eat different types of food.

Which of these fish has mouth structures that allow it to eat algae by taking large bites of hard coral on which the algae grows?

• Parrotfish

• Koi

• Goby

• Seahorse

Newly hatched chicks of many types of birds, such as parrots, are covered in soft, fluffy down feathers. These features contain many small spaces where air gets trapped.

In some animal species, such as Arctic foxes, the fur covering the animal's body consists of hollow strands of hair filled with air.

The primary role of the air trapped in the down feathers and fur is most likely to -

• act as a cushion to prevent injuries from falls

• decrease the amount of energy needed for running or flying

• provide a layer of insulation to help control body temperature

• supply oxygen to be absorbed through the skin for transport to the lungs