Science Structures and Functions

Colorado has a large population of bighorn sheep. They are herbivores and have hooves with specialized claws or toenails adapted for running and helping them escape predators. Mountain lion, elk, chipmunks, and black bears also live in Colorado. Which of the animals below has feet that are most similar to the Colorado bighorn sheep?

• Mountain lion

• Elk

• Chipmunk

• Black bear

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

Biologists study structural adaptations of animals such as marine birds to understand the function of their feet. Which question below can best be answered from the biologists’ study?

• How do birds use webbed feet to nest high in trees?

• What causes marine birds to stay dry in water?

• How do the feathers of marine birds help them fly?

• Can all birds with webbed feet swim?

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

Which of the following is a structural adaptation of a cow?

• Having hoofed feet

• Possessing sharp teeth

• Coming when called

• Running with dogs

Which animal most likely has the characteristics described below:

1. Feet covered in hair for protection against extreme temperatures

2. Thick callused pads for protection from sharp edges and extreme temperatures

3. Long claws for climbing and digging

• Polar bear

• Red kangaroo

• Desert fox

• Western gorilla

Cows and deer are herbivores. They have an adaptation which helps them cover enough ground to find food and water. Which adaptation helps them with this?

• toenails

• paws

• claws

• hooves

Elk and bighorn sheep are grazers. A structural adaptation that helps meet the needs for this type of diet is –

• camouflaged fur

• flat teeth

• webbed feet

• good eyesight

Bactrian 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 adaptations?

• protection from hot weather

• protection from sandstorms

• protection from rainstorms

• protection from predators

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 9 feet. This animal most likely uses it’s back legs to—

• dig burrows

• leap away from predators

• listen for dangers

• attract a mate

Groups of students are to select a topic for research. A group wants to study the adaptations 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

Students collected data about the arctic fox. They learned it can change colors from brown to white. What conclusions can be drawn from the table about color change?

• Color changes help the fox with camouflage

• Color changes help the fox find shelter

• Color changes help the fox stay cooler

• Color changes help the fox move faster

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

NGSS.MS-LS4-4