Animal Traits CPALMS Guide

What are characteristics that can be used to identify living organisms called?

• Attributes

• Traits

• Features

• Qualities

Which group of animals have gills to help them live in water?

• Mammals

• Birds

• Reptiles

• Fish

What molecule is used to pass inherited trait information on to offspring?

• RNA

• DNA

• Glucose

• Protein

Which of the following is an inherited animal trait?

• Hair color changed from dye

• Scars from an accident

• Presence of scales

• Learning how to read

What are behaviors animals have that do not have to be taught called?

• Skills

• Acquired traits

• Instincts

• Inherited traits

Acquired traits are traits that animals pick up during their:

• Adolescence

• Lifetime

• Childhood

• Birth

What type of traits are caused by the environment, diseases, accidents, predators, or experiences during an organism's life?

What is the molecule found within the cells of living organisms that carries information on inherited traits?

• Chlorophyll

• Glucose

• DNA

• Hemoglobin

Which animal in the examples has an inherited trait related to its beak shape for eating fish?

• Scrub jay

• Osprey

• Hummingbird

• Sparrow

Which of the following is NOT mentioned as an inherited trait in the passage?

• Skin texture

• Bird beaks

• Teeth shape

• Learning to swim