5.10A Structures and Functions

A student reads the following information.

Part A

Which animal most likely has the characteristics described?

• polar bear

• red kangaroo

• bearded dragon

Part B

Which statement best provides evidence for the answer to Part A?

• The animal described has structures that provide protection from high temperatures

• The animal described has structures that provide protection from low temperatures

• The animal described has structures that are needed in a dry environment

• The animal described has structures that are needed in a wet environment

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-4

Cows and deer are herbivores. They have structures that help them cover enough ground to find food and water. These structures are called-

• hooves

• paws

• claws

• toenails

Many animals are aquatic, such as a platypus and frog. A structure that is beneficial for both of these aquatic animals is-

• down feathers

• long tail

• webbed feet

• scaly skin

Bighorn sheep and elk are grazers. Describe the teeth of grazers and explain how these structures help meet the dietary needs of bighorn sheep and elk.

Answer explanation

Students should describe the teeth of bighorn sheep and elk as flat, and should explain that flat teeth help grazers chew grass and plants.

Bacterian camels have special features that allow them to live in harsh, hot climates. These camels have long eyelashes and ears lined with hair. They also have nostrils that they can close when needed. Which is most likely the reason camels have these structures?

• Protection from hot weather

• Protection from sandstroms

• Protection from rainstorms

• Protection from predators

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-4

The kangaroo rat lives in the drier areas of the western and southwestern United States. It is very small and has a long tail and large back legs that allow it to jump up to 2.7 meters. The picture shows a baby kangaroo rat. The picture shows a baby kangaroo rat. These animals most likely use their back legs to-

• dig burrows

• leap away from predators

• listen for danger

• attract a mate

Which of the following is a structure of a cow?

• Possessing

• Having hooved feet

• Coming when called

• None of the above

A student uses a hand lens to examine the internal structures of a bean seed. What is the most likely function of the seed coat?

• To develop into a bean plant

• To provide food for the bean plant

• To protect the bean plant

• To attract bees to the bean plant

Tags

NGSS.4-LS1-1

A group of students wants to study the structures of animals in the desert. One question they should ask is-

• How long do the animals live?

• How do the animals satisfy their need for water?

• How many offspring do the animals have?

• Can you buy the animals in pet stores?

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-5

NGSS.MS-LS2-1