Name period date assigned date due date returned Visual Vocabulary Below are vocabulary words and definitions. Your task is to draw a picture to demonstrate the definition. adaptation variation camouflage structure The process of changing in response to something, such as an environmental condition. marked difference or deviation from the normal or recognized form, function, or structure A method of concealment that allows an otherwise visible animal to remain unnoticed by blending with its environment. The arrangement of and relationship between the parts of something; 1. Why can a coyote survive better in a new environment than a panda? 2. What are some variations and adaptations that increase an animal s chance of survival? 1
3. What is the function of the adaptation in the bird bones? 4. What is the function of the adaptation in the fish? 5. What is the function of the structures observed? 6. Why do plants and animals have adaptations? 2
7 Study the diagrams showing mouthparts of four different insects. Which of the following could be a valid explanation for the differences in mouthparts among insects? A B The insects each live in different climates, requiring a different type of feeding method. The mouthparts have modifications that are adapted to the insect s method of feeding. The mouthparts vary depending on the insect s wing to body length ratio. D The mouthparts are varied so that there is not competition within a single species of insect. 3
8 hameleons are reptiles that have the ability to hide from predators and prey by blending in with their environment. They can change the pattern and/or color of their skin. This ability is known as - G natural selection imitation H mimicry camouflage 9 Reptiles are described as being cold blooded, which means that their body temperature depends on the temperature of their environment. Alligators are a type of reptile. Which of these examples is MOST LIKELY a situation in which an alligator is trying to warm up his body? A B D an alligator lying on a river bank in the sun an alligator swimming to the bottom of a lake an alligator hiding in a hole dug into the side of a pond an alligator resting beneath the surface of a pond in the shade of a tree 4
10 During hibernation, the ground squirrel may breathe every four minutes, its heart beats four times a minute, and its body temperature drops to just above freezing. What is the purpose of hibernation? to survive unusually hot temperatures G to survive when food is available 11 Which of the following statements BEST describes the function of the large ears of an elephant? A The elephant s ears can be nearly 2 meters long B The ears help the elephant cool itself on a hot day. The elephant s ears have many blood vessels close to the surface. H to get sleep to survive cold temperatures when food is unavailable D Elephant s ears consist of thin layers of cartilage and skin. 12 Many deserts have a very hot, dry climate. Desert animals have developed many adaptations to survive in the desert. Which of these is an adaptation that a desert animal would MOST LIKELY develop in response to high temperatures found in the desert? G H They hibernate in the winter. They are active only at night? They lay eggs that must incubate in water. They have very dark fur and skin. 5
14 Polar bears are well suited to survive in their environment. Which of the following helps the polar bear maintain a relatively stable body temperature between 35 and 41? 13 Most organisms have coloration that helps them blend into their surroundings. Male peacocks have colorful, feathered tails. These conspicuous tails are used to - A building nests B attracting mates strong legs with large, hairy webbed feet G large stomach capacity allowing intervals of several weeks between feeding H black skin covered with transparent tubes of hair which direct sunlight to dark skin. flying and balance transparent eyelids D avoiding predators 15 The tails of animals can serve many important functions. They are mainly used in balance and locomotion. Many lizards have a fragile, detachable tail that will come off when they are attacked by predators, allowing them to escape. Why is the presence of a brightly colored, detachable tail an advantage for some lizards? A B D They are more likely to attract mates. Predators are more likely to grab them by the tail. It helps them blend into their natural environments. Predators are likely to be frightened away by a brightly colored tail. 6
16 Plants have different signals for attracting pollinators. It is not uncommon for the same plant to have more than one signal. Which of the following would NOT be a way in which plants attract pollinators? G H presence of barbs specific texture or pattern strong scents bright colors 17 Plant species rely on various methods of seed dispersal. Which type of seed dispersal would most likely be used by the organism shown in the diagram? A animal dispersal B wind dispersal 18 Trees that grow in a forest tend to grow very tall, with few branches. The same species of tree grown in an open area tends to grow shorter and wider, with many branches. The stimulus responsible for theses different growth patterns is the amount of - water dispersal wind striking the tree D gravity dispersal G light reaching the tree H nutrients in the soil water in the ground 7
19 The maypop flower is a long vine that grows along fences. These plants have tendrils that allow them to grab and hold onto the fences. How does this adaptation help the plant? A B D wrapping around a nearby object for support producing reproductive structures later in the growing season attracting insects which serve as pollinators encouraging water and mineral transport to other parts of the plant 20 omplex animals use their circulatory systems to provide their cells with water and food. Plants do not have circulatory systems. What have they developed to move nutrients and water. xylem 21 An acorn is a seed. Its shape is very different from the shape of a dandelion seed. Which of the following BEST describes the advantage of the shape of the acorn? A The acorn is more likely to stick to animal fur. G cork cells H chloroplasts flowers B The acorn is less likely to attract hungry animals. The acorn can be blown to a better growing location. D The acorn stores more materials to help it start growing. 8
22 A spiny cactus is growing very successfully in an Arizona desert. This plant has many adaptations to its native environment that make it successful in harsh conditions. Three adaptations that the spiny cactus has are - broad leaves, deep roots, sharp spines G waxy leaves, sharp spines to preserve moisture, a shallow root system 23 Some species of flowers have markings that are visible only to insects with the ability to see ultraviolet light. These markings help the plant - A avoid parasitic insects B attract pollen gathering insects seek out moisture in the soil D create a strong scent to attract bats H sharp spines, small bad tasting leaves, deep roots large, shallow root system, sharp spines, thick trunk 24 How do gills of a fish help their survival? G H gills allow fish to break down water into oxygen and hydrogen gills allow fish to process energy quicker so they can move faster gills allow fish to breathe in air and water gills allow fish to use the oxygen dissolved in the water. 9
25 Which of the following adaptations helps birds fly? A B D they have more fat than most animals so they can fly for long distances. they have hollow bones so they are lighter they have smaller blood vessels so their hearts have to work less in flight they have a larger stomach so they can absorb food faster 26 Penguins are unusual birds. They swim under water but do not fly. Penguins live in some of Earth s coldest climates, where they feed on sea animals. Unlike most birds which have bones that are hollow, a penguin has solid bones. This difference makes it easier for a penguin to - dive deep under water G detect fish under water H stay warm under water hold its breath under water 27 Euglena are microscopic organisms that live in freshwater ponds. It has chloroplasts, moves by a flagellum, and has an eyespot that is sensitive to light. Euglena would most likely respond to sunlight by swimming - A around the roots of a lily pad B beneath an underwater log to the bottom of the pond D toward the pond surface 10
Pick one of those categories and decide on a specific adaptation. Next, use your imagination to come up with a completely made up organism that has that adaptation. Your organism can be a plant, and animal or even a combination of plant and animal. find (or make) food, water or nutrients reproduce (bright colors, noise, dance or display etc) protection (teeth, claws, shells, thorns, needles etc) camouflage/hide move (swim, fly, walk run, jump etc) Next, draw a picture of your imaginary creature. Try to take up most of the page so it is easy to see. Save a little room to write a short description of your organism s adaptation and how it helps the organism survive. 11