STAAR Science

Some beetles break down the remains of dead animals. Some mushrooms break down the remains of dead trees. How do these actions most benefit plants? (5.9A)

• By returning nutrients to the soil

• By releasing oxygen into the air

• By making space for new animals

• By decreasing the population of herbivores

Some facts about a bird called the painted redstart are listed in the box shown. Which fact best describes one way this bird changes its environment to meet its needs? (5.9A)

• Fact 1

• Fact 2

• Fact 3

• Fact 4

In fall and winter many trees lose their leaves in response to cooler temperatures and---(5.9A)

• a decrease in average wind speed

• fewer hours of daylight

• an increase in humidity

• more direct sunlight

A teacher is setting up the terrarium shown below in a science classroom. Which of these organisms is best suited for the terrarium? (3.9A)

• Blue jay

• Lobster

• Snail

• Water lily

A prickly pear cactus is shown here. The roots of the prickly pear cactus spread out in a wide underground network. How does this type of root system benefit a prickly pear cactus? (5.9A)

• By producing fruit and storing water

• By capturing sunlight and getting rid of waste materials

• By absorbing water and supporting the plant in loose, sandy soil

• By releasing nutrients into the sandy soil and taking in oxygen

Some facts about birds called cattle egrets are listed in the table. Which of these facts best describes how these birds depend on other animals to survive? (5.9A)

• Fact 1

• Fact 2

• Fact 3

• Fact 4

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? (3.9A)

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The table lists ways that four organisms obtain energy. Which organism obtains energy without depending on another organism? (5.9A)

• Oak tree

• Mushroom

• Cottontail rabbit

• Mountain lion

The table lists the preferred diet of several types of birds. Based on this information, which two types of birds do not compete for food resources? (5.9A)

• Purple martin and yellow warbler

• Eastern bluebird and purple martin

• Lesser goldfinch and eastern bluebird

• American goldfinch and lesser goldfinch

A student observes the following activities while walking in a park. Which of these living organisms was interacting with another living organism in the environment? (5.9A)

• Fire at

• Blue jay

• Bee

• Hawk