SC.5.L.17.1

In the 1800s, the US military used horses to transport weapons and supplies through the American West. The dry, hot weather was difficult on the horses, and the terrain lacked the grass that horses fed on. In 1836, a US Army explorer recommended to the military that camels should be used instead.
Why would camels be better to use than horses?

• Camels are native to the American West
• Camels are cheaper to use and eat less food.
• Camels are adapted to live in a hot, dry climate
• Camels are easier to train and can carry more equipment

Tags

CCSS.RI.4.8

CCSS.RI.5.8

CCSS.RI.6.8

CCSS.RL.4.5

CCSS.RL.6.1

Two animals that live in Florida are the American bittern and the Key deer. The bittern is a bird that has a buff and brown colored back that allows it to blend in with the sawgrass of the lakes it lives near. When it feels threatened, the bittern freezes and points its head skyward to resemble a reed. The Key deer is brown in color, lives in the forest, and freezes when it feels threatened.  
How do these two animals use similar adaptations in order to survive in their very different environments?

• Both the bittern and the deer use their small size to hide from approaching predators.
• Both animals live in groups and huddle together with their family for protection from predators.
• Both animals use their coloring and lack of big movement to avoid being seen by predators.
• Both the bittern and the deer use the movement of the trees and bushes around them to distract predators so they can escape.

Tags

CCSS.RL.4.3

CCSS.RL.5.3

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

In the savannahs in Africa, elephants and giraffes both use acacia trees for food. What impact would removing these large animals from the savannah most likely have on the surroundings?

• The population of acacia trees would decrease
• The trees would begin to take over and there would be less grass
• The population of smaller animals would take over because there would be no predators
• The large animals in other areas would migrate to the area and eat all of the trees on the savannah

Ashley is identifying insects and finds a Camo Moth. A Camo Moth looks like a leaf and is able to easily blend in with its surroundings. Which of the following is a result of this ability?

• The Camo moth needs less food
• The Camo moth uses less energy
• The Camo moth has fewer offspring to care for
• The Camo moth has a greater chance of survival

Caroline knows that cars using gasoline produce toxins, which reduce air quality. Which of the following is the best way we can reduce toxins in the air?

• Reduce the burning of fossil fuels
• Drill for oil off of Florida's coastlines
• Find different ways to conserve energy use at home
• Increase recycling of paper products, bottles, and cans

Hurricane Andrew caused many animals in the Miami Zoo to become displaced. Two of the animals that lost their homes were the collared lemming which has thick white fur and sharp claws, and the other was a marsh rabbit that has thin brown fur and is a strong swimmer. If both were thought to have sought refuge in a Florida forest, which answer best describes the animal that would have a better chance of survival?

• the marsh rabbit, because its ability to swim helps it to scare away predators 
• the collared lemming, because its sharp claws help it burrow into the ground to hide 
• the collared lemming, because its thick, white fur helps it stay warm during the winter months 
• the marsh rabbit, because its thin, brown fur helps it blend into its environment 

The American Black Bear lives in many parts of North America. A black bear in Colorado might hibernate for three or more months in winter, while a black bear in Florida may hibernate for only a few weeks, or not at all. Which statement best explains why? 

• Florida black bears are a different species from Colorado black bears. 
• Florida black bears hibernate less because their climate is not as cold. 
• Florida black bears have less territory and cannot risk a long hibernation. 
• Florida black bears eat different food from bears in Colorado and need less rest. 

Tags

CCSS.RL.4.3

CCSS.RL.5.3

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

The Brazilian Pepper plant was brought to Florida for decorating the yards of homes, but it has spread to Florida's wilderness. It is a large plant that grows quickly and has no natural predators. Based on these facts, why is the Brazilian Pepper a problem for Florida's native plants? 

• The Brazilian Pepper takes up the space that native plants need in order to grow. 
• Animals eat the Brazilian Pepper instead of native plants and spread its seeds instead. 
• People prefer the appearance of the Brazilian Pepper so fewer native plants are grown. 
• The Brazilian Pepper can pollinate with other plants and damage their ability to reproduce. 

Animals which share the same space must compete for resources. Which answer is the best example of this? 

• A.  The cattle egret will stay close to grazing animals. When grazing animals move, they stir up insects, which the egret then eats. 
• A.  Some species of orchid look like a female bee. This attracts male bees, who leave pollen so that the orchid can reproduce. 
• A.  Humans cut down forests and built roads in the Florida Everglades. The Florida panthers living there had less territory and their population declined. 
• A.  Rhesus monkeys were released into the wild along Florida's Silver River. The monkeys have adapted to the environment and have lived there for over eighty years. 

Living things can inherit behavior, learn it from other creatures, or change their behavior because of their environment. Which example describes learned behavior in a living thing? 

• A.  A sea turtle that hatches on a beach will crawl toward the ocean. 
• A.  Most humans begin to speak when they are one or two years old. 
• A.  Fireflies can produce light from their abdomens to attract mates. 
• A.  Sunflowers are able to turn to face the Sun to help them grow.