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Worksheets5.13 A-Animal Adaptations and Functions
Total questions: 155
Worksheet time: 6hrs 12mins
Some plants grow on land while others grow in water. Whether they are on land or on water, they have adaptations to help them make food. Water plants have structures on the tops of their floating leaves that would best help them–
take in water.
absorb sunlight.
hide from predators.
provide shelter for fish.
A frog has structures that help it meet its needs. What structure of a frog has the function of helping the frog catch and eat food?
Croaking sound
Webbed back feet
Moist skin
Sticky tongue
Students in a science class were investigating structures and functions that help animals survive in their
environments. The following is information that the students collected to share with their classmates.
Which student included information about both the structures and functions of organisms in their
research?
Frogs can jump really far. They live near the water and can catch insects. I like to catch frogs
in the summer.
Bears have large, strong legs that help them move large objects and climb trees. They have
large paws and strong claws to help them get many different food sources and a thick coat
of fat under their fur to keep them warm.
Birds have wings. Birds have beaks, but sometimes the beaks look different. Birds build
nests in trees, and they have feathers. Many birds have differently colored feathers and are
beautiful to look at.
Snakes can slither. They can live in almost any environment. Snakes can be venomous or
nonvenomous. I am scared of snakes.
Which of these functions would NOT be an advantage in a hot, dry desert climate?
Being active at night
Getting water from plants
Hunting other animals during the day
Digging burrows underground
These plants live in similar environments. They both have adaptations, or structures, that help them survive. Which of the following best explains how their differences help them in their environments?
Bromeliad leaves use their tank structure to create food from the water they collect. Fern leaves have a waxy coating that keeps predators from eating them.
Bromeliad leaves have a tank structure that holds water in between the tightly packed leaves because they do not have a large root system. Fern leaves have a waxy coating that helps keep them from losing water in a dry climate.
The sharp ends of the bromeliad leaves keep them anchored into the soil and can act like roots. Fern leaves are rough on one side and smooth on the other so that they feel nice when a human touches them.
The tank structure of bromeliad leaves helps keep them from blowing over when storms move through an area. Fern leaves have the ability to close up at night so that predators leave them alone.
This table lists structures and functions of organisms that live in the same environment.
Which of these describes the ecosystem in which these organisms live? Select two correct answers.
Mountainous terrain
Coastal area near the ocean
tropical climate
Cold climate
The image lists either structures or functions that help organisms adapt to their environments.
Identify whether the image refers to structures or functions.
Structures
Functions
The image lists either structures or functions that help organisms adapt to their environments.
Identify whether the image refers to structures or functions.
Structures
Functions
Using the information in the scientist’s observations, what does Bird A’s diet probably consist of?
Nuts and seeds
Grasses and weeds
Small animals
Bacteria and fungi
Which structure of Bird A most helps it obtain its food source?
Large, sharp claws
Curled feet
Curved, sharp beak
Brown feathers
All organisms have unique features on or in their bodies that allow them to survive in their environment.
What are these unique adaptation features called?
(a)
A bison's fur is designed to survive both cold and warm temperatures by changing its thickness and density. Which structure in the bison functions to help it survive from cold to warm conditions?
an arrangement of parts
structure
environment
function
camouflage
what something does
function
environment
prey
predator
an organism that hunts and feeds on another animal
predator
prey
organism
environment
an animal that is hunted as food
prey
predator
camouflage
organism
features that help identify something
characteristics
camouflage
environment
organism
coloring or other physical characteristics that help an organism to blend in with its surroundings
camouflage
environment
predator
function
the space, conditions, and all the living and nonliving things around an organism
environment
camouflage
function
organism
a single living thing
prey
predator
organism
environment
YOU are an organism
true
false
Your environment is where you LIVE.
true
false
YOU can camouflage naturally.
true
false
Your desk is an organism.
true
false
when an organism uses trick coloration to avoid predation
mimicry
markers
camouflage
to continue to live/exist despite of danger
survive
camouflage
mimicry
characteristics passed from parent to offspring
inherited traits
learned behavior
camouflage
environment
behaviors acquired by an organisms interactions with its environment/parents
learned behaviors
inherited traits
inherited behaviors
mimicry
a living organism that is made when a plant/animal reproduces
offspring
inherited traits
rocks
environment
When an animal blends in with its surroundings, it's using ______
Mimicry
Camouflage
Compression
Carnivore
The flat teeth of an antelope are teeth used for eating ___________________.
Grass
Wood
Bugs
Large animals
Which item is not an adaptation for a lion to get food?
Sharp teeth
Sharp claws
Fluffy tail
Sense of smell
A turtle's shell helps him
For swimming
For eating
For protection
How do these body coverings help organisms in their environments?
Colorful flowers with a sweet smell help some plants meet their needs in their habitat because they will be better able to -
Attract insects
Collect sunlight
Survive the cold
Absorb rainwater
A snowshoe hare has many structural adaptations that help it survive in its environment.
Which adaptation of the snowshoe hare provides warmth and camouflage in its cold and snowy environment?
Long, flexible ears
Large, brown eyes
Thick, white fur
Wide, strong feet
Tigers are excellent predators. To survive, they hunt and eat other animals in their environment.
All of the following characteristics of a tiger help it to be an effective predator EXCEPT -
Sharp teeth and claws
A thick coat of fur
Powerful jaws and limbs
Good eyesight and hearing
How does a grasshopper's green color help it to survive on the prairie? The green color helps the grasshopper -
Locate its sources of food
Avoid being seen in its habitat
Gain energy when in sunlight
Make its own food
Which of the following is an example of behavioral adaptation in Canada Geese?
Shape of the beak
Shape of the feet
Body movement in water
Migration towards south
How does the giraffes long neck help it survive in the African grasslands? This structure functions to help the giraffe
Run very quickly
Reach tree branches
Drink from ponds
Hide from predators
The bright, red color of the male cardinal is a structure that helps it -
Hide from predators
Find the food it eats
Absorb sunlight for warmth
Look attractive to females
Why might some plants have thorns?
To protect themselves
To look pretty
To take in nutrients
To provide shade for the plant
An animal has webbed feet. It’s eyes, ears, and nose are on top of its head. What kind of habitat do you think this animal lives in?
The habitat has water
The habitat is dry
The habitat is very windy
The habitat has little or no light
Animals such as elephants and walruses have tusks. How to tusks help the animal?
Tusks help them swim
Tusks help them camouflage
Tusks look pretty to other animals
Tusks protect the animal when fighting
What do roots do for a plant?
Absorb water and nutrients from the soil
Make food for the plant using photosynthesis
Hold the plant up to the light
Protect the seeds
What does the stem do for a plant?
Keep the plant in the ground
Make food for the plant using sunlight
Hold the leaves up to the sunlight
Attract pollinators
What does a leaf do for a plant?
Absorb water and nutrients.
Make food using a process called photosynthesis
Protect the seeds
Allow water and nutrients to travel all through the plant
What does a flower do for a plant?
Make energy for the plant using the sun's energy
Let water and nutrients flow to all parts of the plant
Protect the seeds
Attract pollinators so it can reproduce
What does fruit do for a plant?
Hold the plant in place so it doesn't fall over
Store sugar for the plant
Hold the leaves up to the light
Attract pollinators
What does a seed do for a plant?
Feed a tiny baby plant until it can make its own food
Breathe for the plant
Allow water and nutrients to travel through the plant
Make energy for the plant using photosynthesis
What does the seed do for a plant?
Absorb water and nutrients from the soil
Hold the leaves up to the sun
Protect the tiny baby plant until it grows a little bigger
Hold leaves up to the sun
What does the fruit do for the plant?
Feed the tiny plant until it can make its own food
Absorb water and nutrients from the soil
Hold the leaves up to the light
Attract pollinators
What does the flower do for the plant?
Protect the new tiny baby plant
Holds the plant in place so it doesn't get blown away
Makes food for the plant using the sun's energy
It becomes the fruit
What does a leaf do for the plant?
Absorb water and nutrients from the soil
Attract pollinators
Allow nutrients and water to travel all through the plant
Breathe
What does the stem do for a plant?
Make food for the plant using the sun's energy
Allow water and nutrients to flow through the plant
Breathe for the plant
Attract pollinators
What do roots do for a plant?
Keep the plant in place so it doesn't come out of the ground
Hold the leaves up to the sun
Store sugar for the plant
Breathe
The difference in these structures is most closely related to --
Which of the following statements correctly describes the structure that helps this animal survive in its environment?
thick layer of blubber
big furry ears
a transparent eyelid
the ability to change colors with the seasons
Which of the following statements is correct?
A giraffe has long legs to reach watering holes easily.
A giraffe has a long tail to help guide him when he runs.
A giraffe has a long tongue to reach the leaves of tall trees.
A giraffe has a long mane down its neck to help it run faster.
Which of these structures helps a shark find its prey?
tough skin
an extremely strong sense of smell
fins
three rows of sharp teeth
How do these body coverings help organisms in their environments?
Which structural adaptation allows the penguin to stay warm when diving in icy water?
The beak
The feathers
The flippers
The webbed feet
Which item is not an adaptation for a lion to get food?
Sharp teeth
Sharp claws
Fluffy tail
Sense of smell
Aquatic plants have structures that help them live in water. Which structure would help this type of plant survive?
short stems
deep roots
floating leaves
brightly colored flowers
Both animals have a structure (body part) that serves a function (what it does). Which example has the same structure (body part) that serve the same function?
Both animals have small eyes (structure) to see at night.
Both animals have hard skin (structure) to keep them warm in the snow.
Both animals have long nail (structure) to dig holes.
Both animals have a structure (body part) that serves a function (what it does). Which example has the same structure (body part) that serve the same function?
Both animals have fins (structure) to help them swim.
Both animals have small eyes (structure) to help them see far distances.
Both animals have teeth (structure) to help them catch large prey.
Both animals have a structure (body part) that serves a function (what it does). Which example has the same structure (body part) that serve the same function?
Both animals have legs (structure) to help them swim
Both animals have arms (structure) to help them catch their prey.
Both animals have skin (structure) to keep them warm.
Both animals have whiskers/antennas (structure) to detect their surroundings.
Eagles have talons to catch their prey. Which other animals catches their prey like an eagle?
F
G
H
J
Both animals have a structure (body part) that serves a function (what it does). Which example has the same structure (body part) that serve the same function?
Both animals have teeth (structure) to help them catch their prey.
Both animals have long feet (structure) to help them jump.
Both animals have fur (structure) so they can swim.
Which animal would have an advantage in an aquatic environment?
The chicken because its feet (structure) are built for swimming.
The chicken because its feathers (structure) are built for flying.
The duck because its webbed feet (structure) are built for swimming.
The duck because it beak (structure) is built for catching its prey.
Which of the following animals has an advantage in a tundra (cold) environment?
The parrot because its feathers (structure) will allow it to camouflage in the snow.
The polar bear because its fur (structure) will allow it to keep warm in the snow.
The snake because its scales will allow it to keep warm in a cold environment.
None of the above.
Some chicks are born with feathers known as down feathers. These feathers allow air to be trapped inside the feathers, which doesn't allow the air to reach their body. What is the purpose of down feathers?
To allow the bird to fly faster.
To provide a layer of warmth for the bird.
To allow the bird to catch its prey.
To allow the bird to breathe better.
What is Mrs. Rodriguez's favorite ice cream?
Rocky Road
Mint Chocolate Chip
Oreo
Butter Pecan
The difference in the shape of these animals' teeth is most closely related to-
The type of organisms the animals consume.
The sounds the animals make.
The habitat the animals live in.
The type of predators the animals have.
Which animal would have an advantage in an aquatic environment?
F
G
H
J
Both animals have a structure (body part) that serves a function (what it does). Which example has the same structure (body part) that serve the same function?
Both animals have sharp teeth (structure) to help them catch their prey.
Both animals have eye (structure) to help them see their prey.
Both animals have tails (structure) to help them swing from branch to branch.
Both animals have fur/scales (structure) to help them hide from their prey/predators.
The table shows characteristics of two different types of birds that live in similar rainforest environments.
Which statement explains an advantage (good thing) of a bone in a macaw's tongue that the hornbill does NOT need?
It helps macaws catch and chew small mammals (like mice) and crustaceans (like shrimp and crabs).
It helps macaws break open and eat tropical fruits and nuts.
It helps macaws make large holes in trees to reach insects to eat.
It helps macaws swallow whole prey (food).
The tallest trees in a rainforest are removed for lumber. This increases the amount of light on the forest floor. The table shows information about fungi and ferns that grow on the forest floor.
Which statement explains why one organism is better adapted to the removal of tall trees? (Which statement says why one of the organisms will do better when tall trees are removed?)
The fungi are better adapted because they have spores that grow better in the dark.
The ferns are better adapted because they have a strong root system.
The fungi are better adapted because they can get energy from decaying trees.
The ferns are better adapted because they can get energy from the sun.
The foot of a hawk and the foot of a chicken are shown. The difference between the shapes of their feet is most likely associated with the -
predators that hunt the hawks and the chickens
climate in which the hawks and chickens live
way the hawks and chickens get their food
distance the hawks and chickens can fly
Butterflies have very long, tube-like tongues. Hummingbirds have very long tongues.
Which statement best describes why butterflies and hummingbirds both have long tongues?
Butterflies and hummingbirds both migrate.
Butterflies and hummingbirds are attracted to brightly colored flowers.
Butterflies and hummingbirds eat the same food.
Butterflies and hummingbirds have the same predators.
After a trip to an aquarium, some students compared the tail fin of sharks with the tail fin of bony fish. The students made a chart listing characteristics of each type of tail fin. Based on this information, what is most likely an advantage (good thing) of the bony fish tail fin over the shark tail fin?
It is easier for a bony fish to change direction quickly since muscles control the movement of the tail fin.
The bones in the tail fin help a bony fish sink to lower depths in the water when searching for food.
The flexible tail fin is fanned by the water, so a bony fish uses less energy to swim.
The thin spines of the tail fin prevent a bony fish from being seen by larger predator (hunter) fish.
The leaves of two types of plants that live in different environments are shown in the pictures. The leaves of both plants have different structures (forms). What difference in the structure of the leaves of these plants likely helps them survive in their environment?
The pan-like shape of the water lily leaves helps them catch rainwater. The slim shape of the mesquite leaves helps them avoid sunlight.
The broad shape of the water lily leaves helps them stay on the water surface. The slim shape of the mesquite leaves helps them prevent water loss.
The pan-like shape of the water lily leaves helps them attract small fish. The slim shape of the mesquite leaves helps them avoid herbivores (plant eaters).
The broad shape of the water lily leaves helps them attract aquatic birds. The slim shape of the mesquite leaves helps them attract pollinators.
The table gives information about four types of fish. These fish all have mouth structures (parts) that allow them to eat different types of food. Which of these fish has mouth structures (parts) that allow it to eat algae by taking LARGE BITES of the HARD CORAL on which the algae grow?
Parrotfish
Koi
Goby
Seahorse
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 (types), such as Arctic foxes, the fur covering the animal's body consists of hollow strands of hair filled with air.
The primary (main) role (job) of the air trapped in the down feathers and fur is most likely to -
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
The shells of sea turtles are flatter than the shells of land turtles. Sea turtles are also different from land turtles because sea turtles cannot pull their head or limbs (legs) into their shell to protect themselves from predators (hunters). Instead, the head, shell shape, and flippers of sea turtles help them escape from predators mainly by allowing them to -
dig deep holes for their eggs
swim and dive easily
blend into their surroundings
hold their breath for several minutes
Many types of grazing animals live in Africa. The picture shows two of these animals that have about the same mass and height at the shoulder. Based on observations of the pictures of these animals, which statement describes a advantage that only one of these animals has in obtaining (getting) food?
The Thomson's gazelle has a body shape that allows it to run faster when chasing prey (food).
The Thomson's gazelle has horns that can be used to move tree branches out of the way to reach food.
The gerenuk has a sharp, pointed nose for detecting the scent of predators.
The gerenuk has a long neck that allows it to reach higher and eat from trees.
The whiskers of a river otter and the antennae of a cockroach are shown below. How do structures (parts) such as whiskers and antennae benefit organisms?
They help the organism detect (sense) their surroundings (areas)
They help the organisms eat food quickly
They help the organisms fight predators
They help the organisms hear prey
Some animals, such as lions, have pointed teeth, while other animals, such as cattle, have flat teeth. The difference in the shape of these animals' teeth is most closely related to -
the type of organisms the animals consume (eat)
the sounds the animals make
the habitat (home) the animals live in
the type of predators (hunters) the animals have
The ocotillo is a desert plant with long, straight branches. Its leaves are small and appear for only a short time after a rain. Most of the time, the branches of the ocotillo do not have leaves. Maple trees grow in areas where water is more abundant (available) than in the desert. Maple leaves can be very large and are present for most months of the year.
Ocotillo plants are better adapted for surviving in the desert than maple trees because the characteristics of ocotillo leaves -
allow more sunlight to reach the soil
prevent the plant from producing flowers
encourage the release of carbon dioxide from the stems
reduce the amount of water lost through evaporation
Most kangaroos have large, heavy tails, while spider monkeys have long, thin tail. 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 spiker monkeys are moving through trees. Both of these animals use their tails primarily (mostly) for -
grabbing and holding their food
supporting and balancing their body
attracting the attention of other animals
carrying their young (offspring)
Which two traits best help a cactus conserve (save) water in the dry conditions of a West Texas desert ecosystem?
Large flowers and sweet fruit
Sweet fruit and sharp spines
Sharp spines and waxy stems
Waxy stems and large flowers
Eagles catch fish in rivers with their talons (claws). They fly with the fish to a tree branch and tear the fish into small pieces. Which bird most likely catches and eats its food in the way an eagle does?
Some bird have large, sharp claws and beaks. These birds most likely eat -
tall grasses
small animals
pond microorganisms
tiny insects
Which adaptation of a frog most helps it capture insects to eat?
croaking sound
sticky tongue
laying eggs
smooth skin
Some bears have thick layers of fat and fur that help to keep them warm. These adaptations are best suited to an environment that is –
dry
cold
dark
windy
All of the following would be adaptations that would be an advantage in a hot, dry desert habitat EXCEPT –
being active at night
getting water from plants
hunting other animals
digging burrows underground
Camels live in the desert and have wide, flat, leathery pads on the bottoms of their feet. This adaptation most likely helps them –
walk on hot sand
find sources of water
climb rocky hills
sleep standing up
Many animals hibernate during the winter. During the winter they spend most of the time sleeping. This behavior is an adaptation that helps animals by –
allowing them to avoid harsh sun and rains
building strong muscles for fighting enemies
conserving energy when food is hard to find
making them easy for predators to see
Which is an adaptation of the bison that allows it to stay warm in the cold winter months
it uses its horns to defend itself from predators
it has hooves that allow it to move quickly across the grasslands
it has a thick layer of fur covering its entire body
it has flat teeth that helps it to chew the grasses on the plains
What is an adaptation of the snowshoe hare that allows it to remain unseen by predators in the winter time?
heavy fur on feet to stay warm
small ears to prevent heat loss
turns white in winter to match snow
sense of smell to detect food
Which adaptation of a cactus allows it to prevent water loss in dry desert conditions?
Shallow roots that spread out very widely
Bright flowers that attract insects
Waxy outer covering on stems
None of these
Which of the following describes a behavioral adaptation instead of a structural adaptation
being nocturnal to avoid extremely hot day time temperatures
having a sharp beak and talons to devour prey
using webbed feet and paddle tail to propel through water
having long eyelashes that prevent sand from entering the eye
All of the following are behavioral adaptations EXCEPT -
being nocturnal and only active at night
hibernating during the winter months
migrating to avoid cold weather
being camouflaged to remain unseen
What does it mean to CAMOUFLAGE?
when a weak animal copies a stronger animal to warn of predators
when an animal is able to change colors to survive in an enviornment
when an animal hibernates during the winter.
What is HIBERNATION?
when a weak animal copies stronger animal to warn off predators.
when an animal hides in the cold winter and sleeps until the spring
when a larger animal eats its prey
Which of these adaptations most help the hawk keep other hawks out of its territory by warning them from far away?
Some animals, such as lions, have pointed teeth, while other animals, such as cattle, have flat teeth. The difference in the shape of these animals' teeth is most closely related to--- (5.10A)
the type of organisms the animals consume
the sounds the animals make
the habitat the animals live in
the type of predators the animals have
The teeth in this picture are from an animal that would most likely eat
grass
insects
fruit
fish
Sea turtles are also different from land turtles because sea turtles cannot pull their head or limbs into their shell to protect themselves from predators. how does the head, shell shape, and flippers of sea turtles help the turtles escape their predators?
Dig deep holes for their eggs
Swim and dive easily
Blend into their surroundings
Hold their breath for several minutes
Which example shows an animal adapting to a seasonal change in its environment?
Which structural adaptation allows the penguin to stay warm when diving in icy water?
The beak
The feathers
The flippers
The webbed feet
Skunks have a structural adaptation that releases a liquid spray with a bad odor when in close contact with predators. How is the adaptation helpful to the skunk?
Avoid predators
Obtain food
Make shelter
Increase body temperature
Which bird beak is best adapted for opening hard-shelled nuts and seeds?
What is the function on large padded paws on a snow leopard?
camouflage
protection from predators
keep it warm
walking in snow
What is the function of a beavers tail?
protects from predators
packs and flattens mud and gives greater mobility on rocky ground
help swim through water
helps swim fast to catch prey
What is the function of a hard shell of a turtle?
camouflage
protection from predators - too easy to penetrate
protection from predators- too hard to penetrate
feel its way around
What is the structure that helps the duck swim in water?
beak
feathers
fin
webbed feet
Adaptations help animals ___________.
survive
get food
protect themselves
all of the above
Which two traits best help a cactus conserve water in the dry conditions of a West Texas desert ecosystem? (5.10A)
Large flowers and sweet fruit
Sweet fruits and sharp spines
Sharp spines and waxy stems
Waxy stems and large flowers
Eagles catch fish in rivers with their talons. They fly with the fish to a tree branch and tear the fish into small pieces. Which bird most likely catches and eats it food the way an eagle does? (5.10A)
The ocotillo is a desert plant with long, straight branches. Its leaves are small and appear for only a short time after a rain. Most of the time, the branches of the ocotillo do not have leaves. Maple trees grow in areas where water is more abundant than in the desert. Maple leaves can be very large and are present for most months of the year. Ocotillo plants are better adapted for surviving in the desert than maple trees because the characteristics of ocotillo leaves--- (5.10A)
allow more sunlight to reach the soil
prevent the plant from producing flowers
encourage the release of carbon dioxide from the stems
reduce the amount of water lost through evaporation
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
The whiskers of a river otter and the antennae of a cockroach are shown here. How do structures such as whiskers and antennae benefit organisms? (5.10A)
They help the organisms detect their surroundings.
They help the organisms eat food quickly.
They help the organisms fight predators.
None of these
Some animals, such as lions, have pointed teeth, while other animals, such as cattle, have flat teeth. The difference in the shape of these animals' teeth is most closely related to--- (5.10A)
the type of organisms the animals consume
the sounds the animals make
the habitat the animals live in
the type of predators the animals have
Giraffes are animals that live in the grasslands of Africa. They have extremely long necks and long tongues. These two adaptations most likely help them –
travel quickly across the plains
reach food high in the trees
defend themselves against predators
tolerate the heat of their environment
Functional changes that allow organisms to obtain food and keep safe
Adaptation
Camouflage
Function
Mimicry
Which of the following adaptations of a cow helps it to survive by allowing it to eat and digest large amounts of grass?
Long, thick tail it can swing about
Large, brown eyes with long lashes
Wide, flat teeth and four stomachs
Tough, divided hooves and strong legs
The use of colorings or markings to look like another organism or object
Adaptation
Camouflage
Function
Mimicry
The bright colors on the males of many bird species is an adaptation that helps the birds -
attract females
avoid predators
hunt insects
stay warm
