Traits and Environment

Plant roots adapt to reach water.

If the water is deep in the soil, the roots grow ​ (a)   .

If the water is near the surface the roots ​ (b)   .

• down

• spread out

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-5

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

Organize these plant adaptations into their correct environments

Groups:

(a) Desert environment

,

(b) lake and pond environment

,

(c) rain forest environment

• large leaves (to help catch sunlight)

• thick and waxy stems and spines (cactus)

• long roots (lotus flower)

Species __________ and develop new traits to have better chances of survival against predators or to adapt to changes in their environment.

• survive

• adapt

• traits

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-4

What trait helps dogs survive in the cold?

• tail

• paws

• fur

• ears

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-4

Which of the following could be a reason that penguins have a thick layer of blubber?

• to keep cool

• to blend in with the environment

• to scare away predators

• to keep warm

Which of the following could be a reason that porcupines have pointy quills?

• to keep cool

• to blend in with the environment

• to scare away predators

• to keep warm

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

NGSS.MS-LS4-4

Which is NOT an environmental factor that can influence the characteristics of an organism?

• temperature

• exposure to sunlight

• eye color

• nutrition

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-5

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

Which is NOT an example of how environmental factors may influence animals?

• Their fur may change color or thickness due to a change in temperature.

• They may experience stunted growth due to a lack of nutrients.

• Skin color may change due to exposure to sunlight.

• Eye color may change due to injuries.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-5

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

A behavior is response to a change in the

• environment

• behavior

• instinct

• organism

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-8

Check the THREE sentences that describe a trait that has been affected by the environment

• A dog comes running when it hears a food bowl rattle.

• A litter of kittens are all different colors.

• A plant has holes in its leaves from insect bites.

• A radish plant has leaves shaped like hearts.

• An ivy plant in sun grows taller than one in the shade.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-5