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Life Science: Inherited & Learned/Acquired Traits

Total questions: 20

Worksheet time: 40mins

Name
Class
Date
1.

Fox squirrels live in the trees of city parks throughout Texas. Each spring they build nests of twigs and leaves in the tops of the trees. Fox squirrels are often found near park benches, waiting to be fed by visitors. For fox squirrels, which of these is a learned behavior?

a)

Building a nest each spring

b)

Taking food from people

c)

Having a long, bushy tail

d)

Having sharp claws

2.

Crayfish live in water and often hide under rocks or plants. They come out to look for food and will eat both plants & animals. Which of these is a trait that a crayfish most likely inherits from his parents?

a)

The average distance it travels each day

b)

The number of legs it has

c)

The amount of food it eats each day

d)

They type of plants in its habitat

3.

Coyotes learn some of their behaviors as they move around in their environment. Which behavior is most likely learned?

a)

Running

b)

Drinking water

c)

Avoiding cacti

d)

Sleeping

4.

Raccoons living in cities have learned to open lids of garbage cans. This is an example of an animal —

a)

adapting to its environment

b)

inheriting the ability to change its diet

c)

being tamed by humans

d)

becoming a plant eater

5.

Which of these is an example of a learned behavior?

a)
b)
c)
d)
6.

Crows are found throughout many parts of the world. They are black birds with excellent hearing. In the wild they live for six to seven years. Some crows in Japan open hard-shelled nuts by dropping them in front of moving cars. Which of these is a learned behavior?

a)

Having excellent hearing

b)

Living six to seven years

c)

Dropping nuts in front of cars

d)

Having black feathers

7.

Which of the following is most likely a learned behavior?

a)

A lizard warming itself in the heat of the sun

b)

A cat running to the kitchen at the sound of a can opener

c)

Butterflies migrating from Canada to Mexico each year

d)

A caterpillar feeding on a milkweed plant

8.

Bears in Yellowstone Park have become accustomed to people being around. The bears often look for food in garbage cans. This is an example of—

a)

an inherited trait

b)

a learned behavior

c)

trial and error

d)

imprinting

9.

Which characteristic listed below is inherited rather than learned?

a)

Telling a joke

b)

Saluting the flag

c)

Having green eyes

d)

Riding a bicycle

10.

Which behavior is an example of an animal adapting to a change in the environment?

a)

squirrel climbing a tree

b)

A rabbit feeding its young

c)

A frog eating an insect

d)

A bird migrating south

11.

The picture below shows some caddis fly larvae. These larvae cover themselves with small twigs and pebbles. What is the advantageof this behavior?

a)

They can eat the twigs.

b)

They are hidden from predators.

c)

They can crawl on the bottom of creeks.

d)

They are able to keep warm

12.

Which of the following is an example of a learned behavior in animals?

a)

A lizard avoids certain beetles that taste bad.

b)

A baby breathes just after being born.

c)

Fish swim together in groups called schools.

d)

A baby chick cracks open its egg shell.

13.

Which is a learned behavior?

a)

Being colorblind

b)

Riding a bicycle

c)

Having large hands

d)

Having brown hair

14.

Which of the following characteristics are you most likely to inherit from a parent?

a)

Weight

b)

Temper

c)

Eye color

d)

Food preferences

15.

Which animal below looked MOST like its parents when it hatched?

a)
b)
c)
d)
16.

Which of the these is MOST likely a behavior of tame animals that is different from wild animals?

a)

Moving to a warmer climate in winter

b)

Eating out of the hands of humans

c)

Hunting for their own food

d)

Staying away from people

17.

Which characteristic can a puppy inherit from its parents?

a)

Muddy paws

b)

Spotted fur

c)

Broken foot

d)

Scar on face

18.

The spider’s ability to spin silk is—

a)

an acquired trait

b)

an inherited trait

c)

a life cycle stage

d)

a learned behavior

19.

Which example is a physical feature that is passed on to offspring?

a)

Talking

b)

Walking

c)

Sharp beak

d)

Loose tooth

20.

Loggerhead turtles lay their eggs on the beach and then return to the sea. Tiny turtles hatch from the eggs and find their way to the ocean waters. This is an example of—

a)

a learned behavior

b)

an instinct

c)

camouflage

d)

mimicry