2.4 Pocket Mice Survival Model: Traits

What species of mice were we observing in this science lesson?

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Answer explanation

The Pacific pocket mouse has been on the endangered species list since 1994.

This video takes you on a short trip to the San Diego Zoo and their efforts in saving the precious Pacific pocket mouse.

What species of owl was the predator in this lesson?

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Answer explanation

WARNING... if you are a sensitive student scientist, you may not want to watch the video of how a barn owl eats rodents whole.

We investigated a population of pocket mice with variation in their traits for

• tail length

• amount of whiskers

• fur color

• body size

Answer explanation

In the volcanic fields in America's southwest, we can observe the various traits for fur color according to their specific location.

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NGSS.MS-LS1-5

NGSS.MS-LS4-4

Choose the 2 photographs of pocket mice with adaptive traits within the environment shown.

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NGSS.MS-LS1-5

NGSS.MS-LS4-4

Choose the 2 photographs of pocket mice with non-adaptive traits within the environment shown.

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NGSS.MS-LS4-4

Adaptive traits in an organism means it is

• easier to meet their needs in an environment.

• harder to meet their needs in an environment.

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NGSS.MS-LS4-2

NGSS.MS-LS4-4

Non-adaptive traits in an organism means it is

• easier to meet their needs in an environment.

• harder to meet their needs in an environment.

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NGSS.MS-LS4-4

Camouflage is an important adaptive trait in every environment.

• TRUE

• FALSE

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NGSS.MS-LS4-4

Sort the coloration traits into the two categories: adaptive and non-adaptive.

Groups:

(a) Adaptive Traits

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(b) Non-Adaptive Traits

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Answer explanation

Albinism is an inherited condition that leads to a human or animal having very light skin, hair, and eyes. It happens because they have less melanin than usual in their body. Melanin gives skin, hair, and eyes their color. Except for vision problems, most people with albinism are just as healthy as anyone else.

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NGSS.MS-LS4-4

Look at the photograph of a deer in a forest, after a wildfire.

Can an adaptive trait become non-adaptive if the environment changes?

• YES

• NO

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NGSS.MS-LS2-4

NGSS.MS-LS4-4