Ecosystems and Adaptations

Which is one way most animals protect themselves from predators?

• by blending in with their surroundings

• by searching for food and water

• by sleeping for several months

• by attracting mates

Which statement describes how polar bears and whales are both adapted to survive the extremely cold temperatures of the Arctic?

• Polar bears and whales get food from the water.

• Polar bears and whales get oxygen from the air.

• Polar bears and whales have sharp teeth to eat meat.

• Polar bears and whales have thick layers of fat.

Which behavior would a lizard use to survive in the desert?

• looking for water to swim in

• burying itself in the cooler sand below

• hunting for food midday when the sun is hottest

• hiding under the leaves of a tree to avoid the sun’s heat

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How could humans adapt their behaviors to best benefit North Carolina beaches?

• by allowing yard waste to flow into storm drains

• by leaving trash in piles to help block tidewaters

• by planting seagrasses to prevent shore sand erosion

• by increasing the number of buildings along the shore

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Two young alligators live in a swamp. One alligator is albino, meaning its color is white rather than the normal brown color. Which best explains why the albino alligator may not survive as easily as the other alligator?

• The albino alligator will have difficulty finding food.

• The albino alligator will not be able to swim away as quickly as the other alligator.

• The albino alligator will have difficulty hiding from predators.

• The albino alligator will not grow to be as large as the other alligator.

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Germaine was learning about sea turtles. She knew that sea turtles are adapted to living in the ocean.

Which is a trait that helps a sea turtle survive in the ocean?

• being able to lay eggs

• having a hard shell for protection

• having a sharp beak to tear seaweed

• being able to hold its breath for a long time

What is one way people can keep water usage to a minimum?

• collect and use rainwater

• water the lawn every afternoon

• leave the water running when washing dishes

• plant shrubs that need constant watering

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A food web is shown.

What would MOST likely happen if there were fewer toads?

• There would be fewer grasshoppers and cranes but more caterpillars.

• There would be more grasshoppers and caterpillars but fewer cranes.

• There would be more grass but fewer grasshoppers and caterpillars.

• There would be less grass but more cranes and grasshoppers.

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Hawk moth caterpillars can range in color from green to black. Which is one way the range in colors can affect them?

• The green caterpillars would be harder for predators to find on the leaves of trees.

• The black caterpillars would be harder for predators to find on the leaves of trees.

• The green caterpillars would be harder for predators to find on plants covered with snow.

• The black caterpillars would be harder for predators to find on plants covered with snow.

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Some squirrels are called flying squirrels because they have extra skin between their legs that allows them to glide in the air. How does this ability help the squirrel survive?

• It helps the squirrel to travel long distances.

• It helps the squirrel gather food on the ground faster.

• It helps the squirrel get away from predators.

• It helps the squirrel to climb tall trees.

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