1.
Which BEST explains how different animals can share the same habitat?
Correct Answer
B. They have different niches.
Explanation
Different animals can share the same habitat because they have different niches. A niche refers to the specific role or position that an organism occupies within its ecosystem. Each animal has its own unique set of adaptations, behaviors, and interactions with the environment that allow it to occupy a specific niche. By occupying different niches, animals can avoid competition for resources and coexist within the same habitat. This allows for a more diverse and balanced ecosystem.
2.
The adaptation shown by this insect is an example of:
Correct Answer
C. Mimicry
Explanation
The adaptation shown by this insect is an example of mimicry. Mimicry is when one species evolves to resemble another species in order to gain a survival advantage. In this case, the insect has developed physical characteristics that make it look similar to another organism, such as a venomous or unpalatable species. This helps the insect avoid predation as potential predators mistake it for the harmful organism and avoid attacking it. Mimicry is a common adaptation strategy in the animal kingdom.
3.
Which is LEAST likely to make a species go extinct?
Correct Answer
A. Cutting down entire forests
Explanation
Cutting down entire forests is the least likely to make a species go extinct because although it destroys the habitat for many species, it does not directly harm or kill individual animals. Putting animals in a zoo, polluting mountain streams, and draining wetlands all directly harm and disrupt the natural habitats of species, increasing the risk of extinction.
4.
The role a plant or animal plays in its environment is its
Correct Answer
C. Niche
Explanation
A niche refers to the specific role or position that a plant or animal occupies within its ecosystem. It includes the interactions the organism has with its environment, such as its food sources, predators, and the physical conditions it can tolerate. The niche determines how the organism survives, reproduces, and contributes to the overall functioning of the ecosystem. It is a specialized role that allows the organism to exploit its environment and resources in a unique way, differentiating it from other species.
5.
Which is a NATURAL barrier to the migration of some species?
Correct Answer
C. A mountain
Explanation
A mountain is a natural barrier to the migration of some species because it creates a physical obstacle that can be difficult or impossible for certain species to cross. Mountains can be steep, rugged, and have harsh weather conditions, making it challenging for animals to traverse them. Additionally, mountains often have different ecosystems and habitats on either side, further limiting the ability of species to migrate across them. Therefore, a mountain acts as a natural barrier that restricts the movement and migration of certain species.
6.
The coral snake is poisonous, but the scarlet king snake is not. Which best explains why the scarlet king snake looks similar to the coral snake?
Correct Answer
B. The king snake uses mimicry to look like a poisonous snake.
Explanation
The scarlet king snake looks similar to the coral snake because it uses mimicry to imitate the appearance of a poisonous snake. Mimicry is a survival strategy where one species evolves to resemble another species that is harmful or toxic, in order to deter predators. In this case, the scarlet king snake benefits from looking like the coral snake, as it helps to protect it from potential predators who would otherwise avoid attacking a venomous snake.
7.
In this desert ecosystem, most animals are active only at night. The animals are adapted to which nonliving part of the ecosystem?
Correct Answer
C. Temperature
Explanation
In this desert ecosystem, the animals are adapted to the temperature. This is because most animals in the desert are active at night when the temperatures are cooler. They have evolved to withstand the extreme heat during the day and are able to conserve energy by being active during the cooler nighttime temperatures. The temperature plays a crucial role in the survival and behavior of these animals in the desert ecosystem.
8.
How might using poison to kill a pest be harmful to other organisms?
Correct Answer
D. The pest killed by the poison might be food for other organisms.
Explanation
Using poison to kill a pest can be harmful to other organisms because the pest killed by the poison might be a source of food for other organisms. If the pest population decreases or is completely eradicated, the organisms that rely on the pest as a food source will suffer. This disruption in the food chain can have negative consequences for the overall ecosystem, leading to imbalances and potential harm to other organisms that depend on the pest for survival.
9.
Hibernation is an adaptation for surviving _______.
Correct Answer
A. Very hot summers
Explanation
Hibernation is an adaptation for surviving very hot summers. During hibernation, animals lower their metabolic rate and enter a state of dormancy, allowing them to conserve energy and survive when resources are scarce. This adaptation is particularly useful during hot summers when food and water may be limited, as hibernating allows animals to avoid the extreme heat and reduce their need for resources.
10.
True or false: Animals use camouflage to warn predators that the are dangerous or poisonous.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
Animals use camouflage primarily to blend in with their surroundings and avoid being detected by predators. It is a defensive mechanism that helps them hide and increases their chances of survival. Camouflage does not serve as a warning signal to predators about their dangerous or poisonous nature. Instead, it allows animals to remain unnoticed and avoid becoming prey.
11.
A bright blue insect has the same color pattern as a poisonous frog. Predators that avoid eating the frog also avoid eating the insect. Which adaptation helps the insect survive?
Correct Answer
D. Mimicry
Explanation
Mimicry is the adaptation that helps the bright blue insect survive. By having the same color pattern as a poisonous frog, the insect is able to mimic the appearance of the frog and deceive predators. Predators that have learned to avoid eating the poisonous frog also avoid eating the insect, as they mistake it for being toxic as well. This allows the insect to avoid being eaten and increases its chances of survival.
12.
A scientist wants to research the behavior of Bengal tigers in their natural habitat. Which procedure would be BEST for the scientist to follow?
Correct Answer
D. Hide in the forest where the Bengal tigers live and observe them.
Explanation
The best procedure for the scientist to follow would be to hide in the forest where the Bengal tigers live and observe them. This would allow the scientist to directly observe the behavior of the tigers in their natural habitat, providing the most accurate and reliable data for the research. Observing them in the zoo may not accurately represent their natural behavior, while reading books would only provide secondary information. Driving a car right up to the tigers would be dangerous and disruptive to their natural behavior.
13.
Which of the following is NOT a reason why scientists study fossils?
Correct Answer
A. To find out about species that used to live on Earth.
Explanation
Scientists study fossils for several reasons, including to learn about the history of the Earth, to compare extinct species with modern-day species, and to learn about the current atmosphere of the Earth. However, studying fossils is not primarily done to find out about species that used to live on Earth. While this information can be obtained through studying fossils, it is not the main reason why scientists study them. Fossils provide valuable insights into the past, allowing scientists to understand the evolution of life on Earth and the changes that have occurred over millions of years.
14.
A scientist who studies fossils is a ___________.
Correct Answer
A. Meteorologist
Explanation
The correct answer is paleontologist, not meteorologist. A paleontologist is a scientist who studies fossils, while a meteorologist is a scientist who studies the atmosphere and weather.
15.
A species is said to be ___________ when the last member of the species has died.
Correct Answer
A. Extinct
Explanation
When a species is considered extinct, it means that the last member of that species has died. This implies that there are no more individuals of that species remaining, and it is no longer able to reproduce or continue its existence. Extinction can occur due to various factors such as habitat loss, climate change, or human activities. Once a species is extinct, it cannot be revived or brought back to life.
16.
When food or water become scarce in a region, some animals move or ____________ to another region.
Correct Answer
A. Hibernate
Explanation
When food or water become scarce in a region, some animals move or hibernate to another region. Hibernation is a state of inactivity and reduced metabolism that allows animals to conserve energy during periods of food scarcity or extreme weather conditions. By entering into a hibernation state, animals can survive without needing to actively search for food or water until conditions improve. This adaptive behavior helps them to endure harsh environments and increases their chances of survival.