Structure and function (STAAR released questions)

The table shows characteristics of two different types of birds that live in similar rainforest environments.

Which statement explains an advantage (good thing) of a bone in a macaw's tongue that the hornbill does NOT need?

• It helps macaws catch and chew small mammals (like mice) and crustaceans (like shrimp and crabs).

• It helps macaws break open and eat tropical fruits and nuts.

• It helps macaws make large holes in trees to reach insects to eat.

• It helps macaws swallow whole prey (food).

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

The tallest trees in a rainforest are removed for lumber. This increases the amount of light on the forest floor. The table shows information about fungi and ferns that grow on the forest floor.

Which statement explains why one organism is better adapted to the removal of tall trees? (Which statement says why one of the organisms will do better when tall trees are removed?)

• The fungi are better adapted because they have spores that grow better in the dark.

• The ferns are better adapted because they have a strong root system.

• The fungi are better adapted because they can get energy from decaying trees.

• The ferns are better adapted because they can get energy from the sun.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

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 the hawks and the chickens

• climate in which the hawks and chickens live

• way the hawks and chickens get their food

• distance the hawks and chickens can fly

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

Butterflies have very long, tube-like 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.

Tags

NGSS.3-LS3-2

NGSS.4-LS1-1

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 (good thing) 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 (hunter) fish.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

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 (forms). What difference in the structure of the leaves of these plants likely helps them survive in their environment?

• The pan-like shape of the water lily leaves helps them catch rainwater. The slim shape of the mesquite leaves helps them avoid sunlight.

• The broad shape of the 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 water lily leaves helps them attract small fish. The slim shape of the mesquite leaves helps them avoid herbivores (plant eaters).

• The broad shape of the water lily leaves helps them attract aquatic birds. The slim shape of the mesquite leaves helps them attract pollinators.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-4

The table gives information about four types of fish. These fish all have mouth structures (parts) that allow them to eat different types of food. Which of these fish has mouth structures (parts) that allow it to eat algae by taking LARGE BITES of the HARD CORAL on which the algae grow?

• Parrotfish

• Koi

• Goby

• Seahorse

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

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 (types), such as Arctic foxes, the fur covering the animal's body consists of hollow strands of hair filled with air.

The primary (main) role (job) 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

The shells of sea turtles are flatter than the shells of land turtles. Sea turtles are also different from land turtles because sea turtles cannot pull their head or limbs (legs) into their shell to protect themselves from predators (hunters). Instead, the head, shell shape, and flippers of sea turtles help them escape from predators mainly by allowing them to -

• dig deep holes for their eggs

• swim and dive easily

• blend into their surroundings

• hold their breath for several minutes

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-4

Many types of grazing animals live in Africa. The picture shows two of these animals that have about the same mass and height at the shoulder. Based on observations of the pictures of these animals, which statement describes a advantage that only one of these animals has in obtaining (getting) food?

• The Thomson's gazelle has a body shape that allows it to run faster when chasing prey (food).

• The Thomson's gazelle has horns that can be used to move tree branches out of the way to reach food.

• The gerenuk has a sharp, pointed nose for detecting the scent of predators.

• The gerenuk has a long neck that allows it to reach higher and eat from trees.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-4