Natural Selection/Selective Breeding

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-LS1-5

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

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

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-LS2-1

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-LS2-4

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-LS4-2

NGSS.MS-LS4-4

In a population of desert plants, the timing of their blooming varies greatly. Some bloom early in the morning, others at mid-day, and others after dark. What environmental pressure might be an advantage for those plants that bloom after dark?

• There is a decrease in water for root absorption

• There is an increase in herbivores that forage at night.

• There is a decrease in the strength of solar radiation

• There is an increase in the population of nocturnal pollinators

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

Xylem is a plant tissue made up of elongated cells stacked end to end the length of the plant’s stem. Which function is xylem specifically adapted to perform in plants?

• Help prevent water loss

• Exchange gases with the atmosphere

• Capture sunlight for photosynthesis

• Transport water from roots to leaves

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

Leopard seals are animals adapted to survive in the freezing conditions of Antarctica. Individual leopard seals vary in their different traits. Which of the following variations would give a leopard seal the greatest chance of surviving in its harsh environment?

• More spots on its coat

• Thicker layer of blubber

• More elongated head

• Wider, flatter teeth

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-5

NGSS.MS-LS4-4

Mountain lions are large cats and the top predator in their habitat. A population of mountain lions may vary in several characteristics. If prey becomes more scarce, which variation would provide an advantage to the individuals that possessed it?

• A spotted coat

• Short fur

• Long legs

• Abundant whiskers

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-5

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

NGSS.MS-LS4-4