7.11BC/.12A Progress Monitoring

A population of birds walks along the shores of a swampy area eating small crabs. Climatic changes cause the water level in the area to increase. Which genetic variation in the bird population will be at an advantage leading to greater survival in the area?

• Longer legs for wading

• A thicker coat of feathers

• Shorter, stronger beaks

• Sharper talons on the feet

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

NGSS.MS-LS4-4

The habitat of a rabbit undergoes a rise of two degrees Celsius above normal. What variation will increase in the population in response to this change?

• Wider eyes that take in more light.

• Larger ears that radiate heat

• Longer whiskers that sense vibrations

• Stronger hind legs for running faster

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-5

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

NGSS.MS-LS4-4

Over time, a certain species of hummingbird has developed traits including a small body, brightly colored feathers, a long, narrow beak, and the ability to drop its body temperature while it sleeps. Which of these characteristics is most likely a trait that developed in response to available food sources?

• Small size

• Bright coloration

• Long, narrow beak

• Body temperature decrease

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-5

Which internal structure is an adaptation that provided organisms with the function to perform gas exchange on land?

• Gills

• Lungs

• Hollow bones

• Chambered heart

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

What environmental condition is likely to increase the frequency of brightly colored and highly scented flowers in a species of plants over many generations?

• Increase in shade

• Heavy precipitation

• Higher soil nutrient levels

• Available insect pollinators

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-5

NGSS.MS-LS4-4

Mudskippers are a species of fish which, over thousands of generations, have developed adaptations that allow them not only to survive outside of the water, but to actually travel from one water source to another. What environmental condition most likely led to these adaptations?

• Lower temperatures

• Frequent droughts

• Larger predators

• Increased precipitation

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-5

NGSS.MS-LS4-4

Galapagos finches are birds that live on islands off the coast of South America. The finches on the various islands are very different from each other. As a result of the different food resources on the islands, which of the following structures of the Galapagos finches experienced the greatest change through natural selection?

• Head size

• Eye shape

• Feather color

• Beak shape

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-4