Structures and Functions (5.10A)

The foot of a hawk and the foot of a chicken are shown. The difference between the shapes of their feet is most likely associated with the —

• predators that hunt them
• climate in which they live
• way they get their food
• distance they can fly

Butterflies have very long, tubelike tongues. Hummingbirds have very long tongues. Which statement best describes why butterflies and hummingbirds both have long tongues?

• Butterflies and hummingbirds both migrate.
• Butterflies and hummingbirds are attracted to brightly colored flowers.
• Butterflies and hummingbirds eat the same food.
• Butterflies and hummingbirds have the same predators.

This chart describes some beak and toe adaptations that help four bird species survive in different habitats. Bird 1 • Long, sharp beak for hammering into tree trunks • Special toe placement that helps with support on tree trunk Bird 2 • Sharp beak for spearing fish • Long toes for walking on mud and grasping plants Bird 3 • Heavy, pointed beak with sharp edges for splitting open seeds • Special toe placement that helps with perching and hopping Bird 4 • Grooved beak for straining food from water • Webbed toes for moving through water Based on these adaptations, which table best matches the bird species to its environment?

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The raccoon can be found in most areas of Texas. The coati has a smaller territory and is found from Big Bend to Brownsville. These two species are related. The chart shows the characteristics of these two species. Which statement does NOT describe how the body structures of these animals help them escape predators?

• Paws with long claws on flexible toes help them climb trees.
• Sharp teeth allow them to catch prey on land or in water.
• Long tails allow them to balance on branches in trees.
• Good eyesight helps them to see at night.

The picture shows two animals that live in Texas. Both animals have structures that help them survive. Which sentence best describes the function of the structures that these animals have in common?

• Both animals have small eyes that help them see clearly at night.
• Both animals have tough skin to keep them warm in cold weather.
• Both animals have sharp claws that help them to dig in sand.
• Both animals have pointed tails to attract predators.

Unlike humans, otters have special flaps that close off their nostrils and ears. These flaps help otters survive in an environment that is —

• terrestrial
• snowy
• windy
• aquatic

After a trip to an aquarium, some students compared the tail fin of sharks with the tail fin of bony fish. The students made a chart listing characteristics of each type of tail fin. Based on this information, what is most likely an advantage of the bony fish tail fin over the shark tail fin?

• It is easier for a bony fish to change direction quickly since muscles control the movement of the tail fin.
• The bones in the tail fin help a bony fish sink to lower depths in the water when searching for food.
• The flexible tail fin is fanned by the water, so a bony fish uses less energy to swim.
• The thin spines of the tail fin prevent a bony fish from being seen by larger predator fish.

The leaves of two types of plants that live in different environments are shown in the pictures. The leaves of both plants have different structures. What differences in the structure of the leaves of these plants likely help them survive in their environments?

• The pan-like shape of the giant water lily leaves helps them catch rainwater. The slim shape of the mesquite leaves helps them avoid sunlight.
• The broad shape of the giant water lily leaves helps them stay on the water surface. The slim shape of the mesquite leaves helps them prevent water loss.
• The pan-like shape of the giant water lily leaves helps them attract small fish. The slim shape of the mesquite leaves helps them avoid herbivores.
• The broad shape of the giant water lily leaves helps them attract aquatic birds. The slim shape of the mesquite leaves helps them attract pollinators.

The table gives information about four types of fish. These fish all have mouth structures that allow them to eat different types of food. Which of these fish has mouth structures that allow it to eat algae by taking large bites of the hard coral on which the algae grows?

• Parrotfish
• Koi
• Goby
• Seahorse

Newly hatched chicks of many types of birds, such as parrots, are covered in soft, fluffy down feathers. These feathers contain many small spaces where air gets trapped. In some animal species, such as Arctic foxes, the fur covering the animal’s body consists of hollow strands of hair filled with air. The primary role of the air trapped in the down feathers and fur is most likely to —

• act as a cushion to prevent injuries from falls
• decrease the amount of energy needed for running or flying
• provide a layer of insulation to help control body temperature
• supply oxygen to be absorbed through the skin for transport to the lungs