Bell-ringers for SC.7.L.15.3

SC.7.L.15.3

Extinction is the dying out of a species. What can lead to the extinction of a species if the environment changes?

a. having traits that enable the species to adapt to the changed environment

b. an increase in the reproductive rate within the species

c. a lack of adaptations in the species that help individuals survive and reproduce in the changed environment

d. the presence of genetic variations among the individuals of the species

• a

• b

• c

• d

SC.7.L.15.3

The illustration below shows an animal known as the woolly mammoth. This woolly mammoth had thick fur that enabled it to thrive in cold climates, such as that found in Russia. This animal is now extinct. Scientists think that the woolly mammoth became extinct about 4000 years ago.

What was the most likely cause of the extinction of the woolly mammoth?

a. The animals’ tusks were too large for its body to support.

b. The animals’ body size was too large to enable it to move.

c. The animals did not have a body covering suited to survival in cold climates.

d. The animals did not have adaptations needed to survive changes in its environment.

• a

• b

• c

• d

SC.7.L.15.3

The scientific theory of evolution by natural selection relates changes in species to environmental changes. According to this theory what takes place when a change in the environment occurs more rapidly than a species is able to adapt?

a. The species changes to become a new species.

b. The species begins breeding with another species.

c. The species begins to produce more offspring.

d. The species dies out and goes extinct.

• a

• b

• c

• d

SC.7.L.15.3

Scientists have discovered many fossils of dinosaurs. However, they have not discovered any dinosaur fossils in rock layers that are younger than 65 million years old. What conclusion can be drawn from this evidence?

a. Dinosaurs were the dominant species on Earth for 65 million years.

b. Dinosaurs have not left a complete fossil record in the rock layers.

c. Dinosaurs once existed on Earth and then became extinct 65 million years ago.

d. Dinosaurs moved from one environment to another and carried with them new adaptations.

• a

• b

• c

• d

SC.7.L.15.3

Earth has experienced many ice ages. During an ice age global temperatures drop dramatically enabling continental ice sheets and glaciers to cover much of Earth’s surface. What affect is an ice age most likely to have on rates of extinction?

a. An ice age is not likely to have any affect rates of extinction.

b. An ice age is likely to cause rates of extinction to decrease.

c. An ice age is likely to cause an increase in rates of extinction.

d. An ice age will cause a decrease and then an increase in extinctions.

• a

• b

• c

• d

SC.7.L.15.3

Species often go extinct when they are unable to adapt to changing environmental conditions. The table below lists the number of species of various animals that have become extinct in different parts of the world since 1600.

NUMBER OF SPECIES EXTINCT SINCE 1600 BY REGION

Location Amphibian Reptiles Birds Mammals

Caribbean

Islands 0 9 13 40

Africa 0 1 0 5

Australia 0 0 2 22

North

America 1 0 3 1

Based upon the data provided, in which part of the world have environmental disturbances had the least effect on species extinctions?

a. Caribbean Islands

b. Africa

c. Australia

d. North America

• a

• b

• c

• d

SC.7.L.15.3

Giant pandas are native to China. The species has evolved to become so specialized that Giant pandas will feed only on bamboo. What will most likely happen if the habitat in which the bamboo grows is completely destroyed by a natural disaster such as a fire or a severe drought?

a. the pandas will find different types of plants to feed on

b. the population of Giant pandas will increase in size

c. the Giant pandas will eventually die off and go extinct

d. the habitat will recover and Giant pandas will thrive

• a

• b

• c

• d