Adaptations Application Station

A squirrel’s eyes are located on either side of its head so it has a wide field of vision without turning its head. An alligator’s eyes are high on its head so it can see above the water while keeping its body in the water. What type of adaptations are the locations of these animals’ eyes?

• behavioral

• environmental

• life cycle

• physical

Downy woodpeckers are found throughout much of the United States and Canada. Downy woodpeckers that live in the North are generally larger and whiter underneath than downy woodpeckers that live in the South. What is the most likely reason why these differences in size and coloring have evolved?

• smaller trees in the South

• bigger predators in the North

• colder climate and more snow in the North

• longer flights among woodlands in the South

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-5

NGSS.MS-LS4-4

In the rain forest, some varieties of orchid are adapted to grow on trees. They attach their roots to the trees for support. They do not use the trees for nutrition. They get their nutrition from the moist air, falling rain, and debris in the trees. How are the roots of the host tree different from the roots of the orchid?

• Both tree roots and orchid roots are adapted to take water from the air.

• Both tree roots and orchid roots are adapted to take water from the soil.

• Tree roots are adapted to take water from the soil; orchid roots take water from the air.

• Tree roots are adapted to take water from the air; orchid roots take water from the soil.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-5

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

Julia made this poster showing some adaptations in bird beaks. Which bird is best adapted to prey on mice?

• avocet

• hawk

• pelican

• thrasher

The water hyacinth is a floating plant that is believed to have entered New Orleans in 1884. It reproduces quickly, forming a dense mat and often jamming rivers and lakes. It is on Florida’s Exotic Pest Plant list. What conclusion can you draw about the water hyacinth’s effect on native water plants?

• Native species use the water hyacinth for support as they grow.

• It blocks light and air from native species and impedes their growth.

• It is a good companion plant for native species and helps them grow.

• Native species rely on the water hyacinth for protection from direct sunlight.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

NGSS.MS-LS2-2

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

Rosemary noticed that many Florida shore birds have similar beaks to that of this northern loon. What is the most likely reason for the similarity?

• The birds all feed on fish and small amphibians.

• The birds all share nesting and parenting duties.

• The birds all breathe warm, humid Florida air.

• The birds all drink from ponds and lakes

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

Mona lives in Florida. Her daylilies started blooming in March. Josh lives in Pennsylvania. His daylilies started blooming in June. What did the daylilies adapt so that they can survive in both environments?

• habitat

• life cycle

• environment

• physical characteristics

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-5

NGSS.MS-LS4-4

Male crickets rub their wings together to produce a chirp. Male roaches force air through holes in their abdomens to make a whistle. What is the most likely goal for this behavior in both insects?

• finding food

• seeking shelter

• attracting mates

• avoiding enemies

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-4

Raccoons have been raiding Mirek's garbage can at night. What type of adaptation are the raccoons showing?

• learned

• inherited

• mimicry

• seasonal

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-1