Environmental Adaptations

Animals that live in the frigid regions of the North or South Pole must adapt to special conditions. Which of these could be a helpful adaptation for an organism that lives in the North Pole?

• Ability to fly or run fast

• Large paws for hunting

• Thick fur and layers of fat

• Hard shell around the body

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NGSS.MS-LS4-4

Many cacti live in dry habitats, such as deserts, and must store their water to use as needed. Some cacti have spines that grow in place of leaves. Spines are an adaptation that helps cacti in which of the following ways?

• Allows further seed dispersal

• Provides an additional food source

• Increases water loss

• Provides protection from animals

Many animals hibernate during the winter, when they spend most of their time sleeping. This behavior is an adaptation that helps animals in which of the following ways?

• Allowing them to avoid the harsh sun and rains

• Building strong muscles for fighting enemies

• Conserving energy when food is hard to find

• Making them easy for predators to see

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NGSS.MS-LS1-5

NGSS.MS-LS4-4

A hawk warns other hawks to stay out of its territory, but it lives in a habitat where trees make it difficult to see things that are far away. Which adaptation of the hawk most helps it defend its territory in this type of habitat?

• Brown head

• Loud call

• Hollow bones

• Sharp claws

Which of the following changes to the environment would most likely result in deer moving out of an area to a new habitat?

• A loss of the kinds of plants they eat

• Several winters with warmer temperatures

• Higher water levels in a nearby river

• A decrease in the number of predators

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NGSS.MS-LS2-1

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

Some plants live in environments, such as dense forest, where there is a lot of competition for sunlight. Plants that live here have to find ways to receive more sunlight. Which adaptation would best help plants survive in this environment?

• Bright colors to attract pollinators

• Deeper roots to absorb more nutrients

• Structures that allow them to climb up trees

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NGSS.MS-LS1-5

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

Florida wildfires that burn down acres of trees can occur at any time of the year. This change to the environment would be most harmful to animals that depend on which behavior for survival?

• Sheltering below the ground in the dirt

• Flying to warmer temperatures in the winter

• Pollinating wildflower as a food source

• Hiding from predators high in the trees

Some animals have fur that is dark for part of the year and white for part of the year. This adaptation would be an advantage to animals that live in which kind of environment?

• Heavy rain for most of the year

• Seasons that include a snowy winter

• A very hot and dry climate

• Many forests with tall trees

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NGSS.MS-LS4-4

A drought is a long period of time with little rainfall. What kind of adaptation would most help a plant survive a drought?

• Storing water

• Growing quickly

• Producing seeds

• Attracting insects

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NGSS.MS-LS2-1

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

Some animals are adapted to survive harsh conditions. These animals drink very little and don't sweat. These adaptations make them well suited to what sort of environmental change?

• A steady decrease in temperature

• Earthquakes that create new landforms

• A long period of time with no rain

• The arrival of a new species of predator

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NGSS.MS-LS2-1

NGSS.MS-LS4-4