Adaptations

The finches shown are found on the Galápagos Islands and have different size beaks. The most likely explanation for the variations in their beaks is that -

• Some of the finches are males and some of them are females

• The small beaked finches don't attract as many mates

• Different beaks help them eat different types of food

• The large beak finches are the leaders

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

NGSS.MS-LS4-4

Leopard seals are animals adapted to survive in the freezing conditions of Antarctica. Which of the following variations would give a leopard seal the greatest chance of surviving in its harsh environment?

• Wider, flatter teeth

• Thicker layer of insulating blubber

• More elongated head (longer head)

• More spots on it's coat

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-4

The table shows different types of birds and their beaks.

The best food source on a particular island is worms that are deep in a rotting tree. Which beak type is most ideal for this island?

• Shredder

• Strainer

• Cracker

• Chisel

A population of birds walks along the shores of a swampy area eating small crabs.  Climatic changes cause the water level in the area to increase.  Which genetic variation in the bird population will be at an advantage leading to greater survival in the area?

• A thicker coat of feathers

• Longer legs for walking in the water

• Shorter, stronger beaks

• Sharper talons on the feet

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-4

Mountain lions are large cats and the top predator in their habitat. A population of mountain lions may vary in several characteristics. If prey becomes more scarce, which variation would provide an advantage to the individuals that possessed it?

• Long legs

• Thick long fur

• Short fur

• Abundant whiskers

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

NGSS.MS-LS4-4

Which adaptation might help protect a plant from being eaten?

• a flower that is brightly colored

• a thorny stem

• a waxy coating

• a substance that attracts insects

The diagram shows two variations of the same species of peppered moth resting on a tree. Originally, most peppered moths were light-colored and blended in with the light-colored bark of the trees in their environment. Due to pollution during the Industrial Revolution, the trees became blackened by soot. As a result, the population of light-colored moths decreased, due to predators. At the same time, the population of dark-colored moths increased, because they were less visible to predators.

• Natural Selection

• Genetic Engineering

• Metamorphisis

• Dynamic equilibrium

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-4

What is a trait?

• Part of a red blood cell that carries oxygen throughout the body

• DNA that is passed down from one generation to the next

• A characteristic that is genetically inherited from one generation to the next

• An exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-4