Adaptations

The anole lizard can change the color of its skin to match its surroundings. Changing its skin color —

• allows the lizard to sleep at night

• helps the lizard find water and food

• keeps enemies from seeing the lizard

• warns animals to avoid the lizard

Tags

CCSS.RI.2.2

CCSS.RI.3.2

CCSS.RI.4.2

CCSS.RL.3.2

CCSS.RL.4.2

Some plants, such as a cactus, are covered with sharp spines. How do these structures help the cactus survive?

• They protect the cactus from animals that eat it.

• They let the cactus get water from the ground.

• They allow food to pass into the cactus stem.

• They provide shade and shelter for the cactus

Which animal’s foot is best adapted for catching and holding prey?

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The polar bear lives in cold, snowy environments. Which of the following characteristics of the polar bear is an adaptation to help keep it warm?

• Sharp teeth and claws

• Thick fur and layers of fat

• Large paws and strong legs

• White color and short tail

Anteaters eat mostly ants and termites that live in tall mounds made of dirt. Which part of an anteater’s body is most useful in getting food?

• Short, stubby ears

• Stiff, straw-like hair

• A thick, powerful tail

• A long, sticky tongue

Tags

CCSS.RI.2.1

CCSS.RI.3.2

CCSS.RL.2.1

CCSS.RL.3.1

CCSS.RL.3.2

Many flowers are brightly colored and sweet-smelling. This adaptation would be helpful to plants living in an environment that has —

• insects the plant needs to attract.

• animals that can eat the plant.

• strong winds that move plant seeds.

• enough rainfall to keep the plant strong.

Seals that live in the icy regions of the Arctic have adaptations to help them survive. Which adaptation helps keep them warm in cold water?

• Flippers with long claws

• Mouth full of sharp teeth

• Narrow head with large eyes

• Thick layer of fat called blubber

The long, thin needles of the pine tree help it survive in habitats without much sun or rain because this kind of leaf —

• stays attached to the tree all year.

• does not lose much water.

• can’t collect a lot of sunlight.

• has a pointed tip on the end.

Tags

CCSS.RI.3.2

CCSS.RL.2.1

CCSS.RL.2.2

CCSS.RL.3.1

CCSS.RL.3.2

This woodpecker has a hard, pointed beak. For what purpose is its beak best adapted?

• Scooping fish from the water

• Cracking large nuts and seeds

• Digging insects out of tree bark

• Collecting nectar from flowers

Golden-colored fur makes it easier for a lion to hunt prey in the dry grass of its habitat because the fur —

• makes it hard for the lion to be seen.

• helps the lion run farther and faster.

• keeps the lion warm on cool nights.

• allows the lion to look larger.

Tags

CCSS.RI.2.1

CCSS.RI.3.2

CCSS.RL.3.1

CCSS.RL.3.2

CCSS.RL.4.1