Adaptation Quiz

Most kangaroos have large, heavy tails, while spider monkeys have long, thin tails. Kangaroo tails are useful when the kangaroos are hopping and also when they are crawling around on the ground to feed. Spider monkey tails are useful when the spider monkeys are moving through trees. Both of these animals use their tails primarily for----(5.10A)

• grabbing and holding their food

• supporting and balancing their body

• attracting the attention of other animals

• carrying their young

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, such as Arctic foxes, the fur covering the animal’s body consists of hollow strands of hair filled with air. The primary role of the air trapped in the down feathers and fur is most likely to- (5.10A)

• 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

Which statement does NOT describe how the body structures of these animals help them escape predators? (5.10A)

• Paws with long claws on flexible toes to help them climb trees.

• Sharp teeth allow them to catch prey on land or in water.

• Long tails allow them to balance on branches in trees.

• Good eyesight helps them to see at night.

Answer explanation

Since the animals use sharp teeth to catch prey, it wouldn't help them avoid predators. Climbing trees is a good way to avoid predators and having good eyesight would help them avoid predators.

The polar bear's white fur allows it to hide in the cold artic. This adaptation is called....

• Behavioural adaptation

• camouflage

• White-out

• Blending in

What adaptation does this squirrel have that allows it to fly through the air?

• Extra skin under it's arms and legs that capture the air as it falls

• Small eyes to see where it will land

• A short, thin tail

• Big ears to capture air as it falls

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS3-1

NGSS.MS-LS4-4

The Great Horned Owl has eyes in the front of it's head. What does this tell us about this animal?

• It is common prey

• It is a predator

• It has not adapted well

• It likes to stare other animals down

Which of these is not an example of an otter's inherited trait?

• Insulated fur for warmth

• webbed paws to swim

• rolling on the ground to dry fur

• sharp claws for capturing prey

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS3-1

NGSS.MS-LS4-4

Desert plants have structures that help them to collect and store water. These structures are helpful in...

• Tropical climates

• Windy climates

• Wet climates

• Dry climates

Most desert plants have spines. How does this help them survive in this harsh environment?

• The spines capture water

• The spines encourage rainfall

• The spines are useful toothpicks

• The spines will protect the plants from predators that want to eat it.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

Ant-eaters have a long , thin snout and an even longer tongue. What is the likely reason for this?

• To reach through small tunnels in the ground where it can find insects.

• To reach for fruits in trees

• To fight predators

• To scratch itself