Ecosystems, Living & Nonliving (STAAR released items)

The table lists the characteristics of four types of animals. What feature do the ecosystems in which these animals live most likely have in common?

• dry, rocky mountains

• forests of pine trees

• tall, spiny cacti

• lakes and rivers

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

A student studying East Africa reads these facts about the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania. The student thinks that parts of Texas are probably similar to the Serengeti. Based on the following descriptions, which of these Texas animals would be least likely to live in the Serengeti's grasslands?

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Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

In parts of the East Texas Piney Woods ecosystem, there are forests with many tall pine trees. These thick forests have few other types of tall trees besides pine trees. The other plants growing in the ecosystem are usually small shrubs, grasses, and other short trees. A student wants to know what type of birds live in the Piney Woods region. The student reads the table shown below about four different birds. Based on the table, which bird is most likely to live in Texas's Piney Woods region?

• burrowing owl

• roseate spoonbill

• red-cockaded woodpecker

• golden-cheeked warbler

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

An African savanna is a grassland with shrubs and a few small trees. It has warm temperatures all year long, a dry winter season, and a rainy summer season. Which group of animals is most likely supported by an African savanna?

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Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

NGSS.MS-LS2-2

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

A tropical rainforest is a place with many trees and vines. It has warm temperatures all year long and plenty of rain. Which group has at least three animals most likely supported by a tropical rainforest?

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Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

The arctic tundra is a place with small plants, such as moss and lichens, and has few, if any, trees. It has snowy winters and cool summers. Which group of animals is most likely supported by an arctic tundra?

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Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

A teacher is setting up this terrarium in a science classroom. Which of these organisms is best suited for the terrarium?

• Blue Jay

• Lobster

• Snail

• Water Lily

Answer explanation

Blue jay - needs space to fly around

Lobster - needs a saltwater (ocean) ecosystem

Snail - needs land and plants

Water lily - needs ponds

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

Which of these describes one or more LIVING ORGANISM that depends on another LIVING ORGANISM to survive?

• Bacteria living in the mouth of a horse

• Ivy plants growing up a fence to obtain more sunlight

• Mold living on a hard, rocky surface

• An angelfish releasing carbon dioxide into pond water

Aquatic plants have adaptations that help them live in water. For example, the structures needed for making food are located on the tops of floating plant leave. This adaptation helps the plants -

• absorb sunlight

• stay anchored

• avoid predators

• capture fish

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-6

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

Green anole lizards are bright-green reptiles native to the southeastern United States and the Caribbean islands. They can be kept in terrariums to study their behavior and how they interact with their environment. Which observation describes this anole lizard interacting with the LIVING elements in its environment?

• The anole rested on one of the rocks and lifted its head toward the light

• The anole climbed the plant and then ate a cricket off one of the leaves

• The anole drank some water and then ran across the sand

• The anole jumped from the rock and scattered sand with its tail

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-1