SCIENCE 5.13A ADAPTATIONS TEST

Look at the image of the giraffe and read its characteristics:

1. 1. Grabbing leaves with tail

2. 2. Irregular spot pattern on coat

3. 3. Swatting flies with a tail

4. 4. Tall body with long neck

5. 5. Hooves the size of a dinner plate

Which answer correctly classifies these characteristics?

• 3, 4, and 5 describe functions; 1 and 2 describe structures.

• 1 and 3 describe functions; 2, 4, and 5 describe structures.

• 1, 3, and 4 describe functions; 2 and 5 describe structures.

• 2 and 3 describe functions; 1, 4, and 5 describe structures.

Which structure of alligators helps them survive in their environment?

• Alligators steal nests from birds and guard those nests against raccoons and otters.

• Alligators, like geckos and turtles, are reptiles that produce young by laying eggs.

• Alligators have nostrils on the top of their heads that let them breathe while floating in water.

• Alligators carry their newly hatched babies in their mouths to keep them safe from predators.

The images below show the teeth of a donkey and a tiger. Which of the following is most related to the shape of their teeth?

• A. Their predators

• B. Their habitats

• C. Their diets

• D. How they move

Some plants grow on land while others grow in water. Whether they are on land or on water, they have adaptations to help them make food. Water plants have structures on the tops of their floating leaves that would best help them–

• take in water.

• absorb sunlight.

• hide from predators.

• provide shelter for fish.

In the same forest, deer have flat teeth while coyotes have sharp teeth. What does this show?

• A. Deer and coyotes both eat the same food.

• B. Both animals use their teeth to dig holes.

• C. Deer eat plants, and coyotes eat meat.

• D. Deer use their teeth to catch prey.

Which structure helps owls hunt for food at night?

• A hard shell to protect the body

• A long sticky tongue to catch insects

• Brightly colored feathers to scare prey

• Strong wings for flying silently

Which structure helps sea turtles survive in the ocean?

• Hard shells that protect them from predators

• Sharp claws for climbing tall trees

• Fur to help keep them warm in cold, arctic water

• Feathers that let them fly across the ocean

Two plants live in the same environment: one has deep roots and the other has wide, shallow roots. What does this difference show?

• Both plants compete for sunlight in the forest.

• Different root systems allow plants to get water in different ways.

• Both plants store food in their roots for animals to eat in the form of sugar.

• Plants change roots every season to survive.

A camel has long eyelashes and the ability to close its nostrils. Why are these structures helpful?

• They keep sand out during desert storms.

• They help camels hold their breath as they swim across rivers.

• They make camels run faster in hot weather.

• They allow camels to see better at night.

A scientist was working to classify birds in a newly-explored ecosystem. They made notes about their observations to help classify the birds they found.

Using the information in the scientist’s observations, what does Bird A’s diet probably consist of?

• Nuts and seeds

• Grasses and weeds

• Small animals

• Bacteria and fungi