Adaptation Test

The flowers that grow on the floor of a tropical forest have long stems. How does this adaptation help them survive in their environment? 

Long stems—

• make it easier to pull them up.

• prevent them from being eaten.

• make it easier for them to get sunlight.

• protect them from getting too hot.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-4

NGSS.MS-LS1-5

Cacti grow and thrive in dry desert environments. They have short root systems, waxy leaves, and sharp spines. How do the waxy leaves help the cacti survive in their desert environment?
                                  

The waxy leaves—

• store excess water.

• facilitate rapid leaf growth.

• release water into the atmosphere.

• enhance coloration for attracting pollinators.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-5

The  _________ of the Elodea plant capture sunlight to aid in food production. This function allows the Elodea plant to thrive in its marine ecosystem.

Select the word that BEST completes the sentence by filling in the blank.

• roots

• leaves

• stem

• flower

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-6

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

Which adaptation best helps a cactus conserve water to survive the dry conditions of a West Texas desert ecosystem?

• Sharp spines and waxy stems

• Sweet fruit and sharp spines

• Waxy stems and large flowers

• Large flowers and sweet fruit

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

The ocotillo is a desert plant with long, straight branches. Its leaves are small and appear for only a short time after a rain. Most of the time, the branches of the ocotillo do not have leaves. Maple leaves can be very large and are present for most months of the year. Ocotillo plants are better adapted for surviving in the desert than maple trees because the characteristics of ocotillo leaves -

• Allow for more sunlight to reach the soil.

• Reduce the amount of water lost through evaporation

• Encourage the release of carbon dioxide from the stems.

• Prevent the plant from producing flowers.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-5

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

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 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 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.

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 eat the same food.

• Butterflies and hummingbirds have the same prey.

• Butterflies and hummingbirds are attracted to brightly colored flowers.

• Butterflies and hummingbirds both migrate.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

Based on its structure, the crossbill’s beak is most likely adapted for --

• tearing flesh

• probing flowers for nectar

• picking up insects

• extracting and crushing seeds

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

Which organism(s) do hummingbirds consume and which characteristic of the hummingbird helps it to consume the food? Choose two (2) answers.

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

NGSS.MS-LS4-4

The whiskers of a river otter are shown in the picture. How do structures such as whiskers benefit organisms?

• They help the organisms detect their surroundings.

• They help the organisms eat food quickly.

• They help the organisms fight predators.

• They help the organisms fight prey.