Chapter 3 Test

A snake has scaly skin to keep from drying out in the desert. A cactus has sharp spines and a thick stem that keep water in. Which term describes such inherited traits that help organisms survive?

• recessive traits

• adaptations

• instincts

• genes

Look at the behavior pictured here. This behavior has an important similarity to a spider spinning a web. Both come naturally. They do not have to be taught. What are behaviors such as these called?

• instincts

• physical traits

• social behaviors

• learned behaviors

Organisms live, or perform basic functions to stay alive. They also survive, or compete for resources, protect themselves, and find food. In which of the following behaviors does a fly use a structure of its body to escape from predators?

• eating

• breathing

• flying

• sleeping

Which is the term for a section of a DNA molecule that carries information for traits such as hair and eye color?

• gene

• offspring

• dominant trait

• recessive trait

Which best describes a life cycle?

• the physical traits an organism inherits

• the behavioral traits an organism inherits

• the complex pattern of DNA molecules

• the important stages an organism goes through

Which of the following structures is a physical adaptation that helps a penguin live in an icy, wet environment?

• webbed feet for swimming

• wing-shaped flippers for flying

• small spines to prevent water loss

• transparent eyelids to keep eyes moist

An antlion is a slow-moving, nocturnal creature. The diagram shows how the antlion catches its prey. What does the diagram suggest about the antlion?

• It is not adapted to its sandy habitat.

• It has a diet of both plants and animals.

• It survives by being active during the day.

• It has behavioral adaptations for its environment.

Which of the following is an example of learned behavior?

• ground squirrels hibernating for the winter

• geese migrating south for the winter

• a lion cub hunting as its mother does

• an octopus spraying ink for protection

Which of the following is an example of an instinct that helps an animal survive?

• a skunk spraying a smelly mist for protection

• a raccoon learning to cross the road

• a dog learning to beg for food

• a human riding a bicycle

Why are so many bacteria now able to resist antibiotics?

• Bacteria changed their behavior

• Bacteria adjusted their life cycle

• The antibiotics have become weaker over time.

• A few bacteria resisted antibiotics, survived, and multiplied.