Life Boot Camp5.10A #1

Compare the structures and functions of different species that help them live and survive such as hooves on prairie animals or webbed feed in aquatic animals

STAAR 2013 #22; RC 4; Readiness

1. Which two traits best help a cactus conserve water in the dry conditions of a West Texas desert ecosystem?

F. Large flowers and sweet fruitG. Sweet fruit and sharp spinesH. Sharp spines and waxy stemsJ. Waxy stems and large flowers

STAAR 2013 #22; RC 4; Readiness

1. Which two traits best help a cactus conserve water in the dry conditions of a West Texas desert ecosystem?

F. Large flowers and sweet fruitG. Sweet fruit and sharp spinesH. Sharp spines and waxy stemsJ. Waxy stems and large flowers

2002 TAKS Information Booklet, #13

2. Which group supplies food for other organisms?

A Producers onlyB Consumers onlyC Both producers and consumersD Neither producers nor consumers

The chart shows some examples of

producers and consumers.

2002 TAKS Information Booklet, #13

2. Which group supplies food for other organisms?

A Producers onlyB Consumers onlyC Both producers and consumersD Neither producers nor consumers

The chart shows some examples of

producers and consumers.

2002 TAKS Information Booklet, #14

3. Which group can live without water?

A Producers onlyB Consumers onlyC Both producers and consumersD Neither producers nor consumers

The chart shows some examples of

producers and consumers.

2002 TAKS Information Booklet, #14

3. Which group can live without water?

A Producers onlyB Consumers onlyC Both producers and consumersD Neither producers nor consumers

The chart shows some examples of

producers and consumers.

2002 TAKS Information Booklet, #15

4. Which group changes light energy into food energy?

A Producers onlyB Consumers onlyC Both producers and consumersD Neither producers nor consumers

The chart shows some examples of

producers and consumers.

2002 TAKS Information Booklet, #15

4. Which group changes light energy into food energy?

A Producers onlyB Consumers onlyC Both producers and consumersD Neither producers nor consumers

The chart shows some examples of

producers and consumers.

2002 TAKS Information Booklet, #16

5. Which group depends on other organisms as a food source?

A Producers onlyB Consumers onlyC Both producers and consumersD Neither producers nor consumers

The chart shows some examples of

producers and consumers.

2002 TAKS Information Booklet, #16

5. Which group depends on other organisms as a food source?

A Producers onlyB Consumers onlyC Both producers and consumersD Neither producers nor consumers

The chart shows some examples of

producers and consumers.

TAKS Study Guide, #11

6. Which bird has a beak that is best adapted for cracking seeds?

TAKS Study Guide, #11

6. Which bird has a beak that is best adapted for cracking seeds?

2003—#28 (59%)

7. The African baobab tree has a huge trunk that can store as much as 100 kiloliters of water. This adaptation would be an advantage in a climate that is very —

F coldG dryH windyJ sunny

2003—#28 (59%)

7. The African baobab tree has a huge trunk that can store as much as 100 kiloliters of water. This adaptation would be an advantage in a climate that is very —

F coldG dryH windyJ sunny

2003—#10 (96%)

8. Which part of a jackrabbit most helps it escape predators?F Long legsG Thick furH Short tailJ Small head

2003—#10 (96%)

8. Which part of a jackrabbit most helps it escape predators?F Long legsG Thick furH Short tailJ Small head

2004—#11 (77%)

9. Texas has more than 5,000 kilometers of shoreline along the Gulf of Mexico. Many families are able to visit the coast to have fun or just to relax. Many people have jobs and homes on or near the coast. As seagulls fly over the water, they sometimes dive into the water to catch prey. Which of these senses is useful to seagulls that feed in this manner?A SightB SmellC HearingD Touch

2004—#11 (77%)

9. Texas has more than 5,000 kilometers of shoreline along the Gulf of Mexico. Many families are able to visit the coast to have fun or just to relax. Many people have jobs and homes on or near the coast. As seagulls fly over the water, they sometimes dive into the water to catch prey. Which of these senses is useful to seagulls that feed in this manner?A SightB SmellC HearingD Touch

2004—#26 (77%)

10. Brightly colored flowers are most often pollinated by —

F windG mammalsH rainfallJ insects

2004—#26 (77%)

10. Brightly colored flowers are most often pollinated by —

F windG mammalsH rainfallJ insects

2006—#16 (53%)

11. The African clawed frog has many adaptations that help it survive. Which of these adaptations helps it survive changes in its environment?

F The ability to see colorG The ability to detect wavesH The ability to burrowJ The ability to eat

2006—#16 (53%)

11. The African clawed frog has many adaptations that help it survive. Which of these adaptations helps it survive changes in its environment?

F The ability to see colorG The ability to detect wavesH The ability to burrowJ The ability to eat

2006—#39 (90%)

12. All of the characteristics listed above are useful for gathering food EXCEPT —

A 1B 2C 3D 4

2006—#39 (90%)

12. All of the characteristics listed above are useful for gathering food EXCEPT —

A 1B 2C 3D 4

2008 Release Items, Objective 2, #1

13. Horses are herbivores. Their teeth crush and grind plants. Which picture best represents the lower teeth of a horse?

2008 Release Items, Objective 2, #1

13. Horses are herbivores. Their teeth crush and grind plants. Which picture best represents the lower teeth of a horse?

2009—#33 (88%)

14. Which of the following animal features most helps the animal move around in its habitat?

A A bird’s sharp beak B A cow’s tail C A sea turtle’s flippers D A black bear’s fur

2009—#33 (88%)

14. Which of the following animal features most helps the animal move around in its habitat?

A A bird’s sharp beak B A cow’s tail C A sea turtle’s flippers D A black bear’s fur

15. Plants produce their own food. In which part of the plant is most of its food produced?

A LeafB FruitC StemD Root

15. Plants produce their own food. In which part of the plant is most of its food produced?

A LeafB FruitC StemD Root

16. Which of the following best explains how stems transport water to other parts of the plant?

A Through a chemical called chlorophyll B By using photosynthesis C Through a system of tubes D By converting water to food

16. Which of the following best explains how stems transport water to other parts of the plant?

A Through a chemical called chlorophyll B By using photosynthesis C Through a system of tubes D By converting water to food

17. The two structures most plants use to gather nutrients and energy to live are—

A Roots and leavesB Roots and flowersC Stems and rootsD Stems and leaves

17. The two structures most plants use to gather nutrients and energy to live are—

A Roots and leavesB Roots and flowersC Stems and rootsD Stems and leaves

The diagram below shows the seed of a maple tree.

18. How is this seed MOST LIKELY dispersed (spread)?

A It is carried by the wind.B It floats in moving water.C It passes through an animal’s digestive system.D It sticks to an animal’s fur.

The diagram below shows the seed of a maple tree.

18. How is this seed MOST LIKELY dispersed (spread)?

A It is carried by the wind.B It floats in moving water.C It passes through an animal’s digestive system.D It sticks to an animal’s fur.

19. What do plants take in through their root systems?

F LightG WaterH Carbon dioxideJ Oxygen

19. What do plants take in through their root systems?

F LightG WaterH Carbon dioxideJ Oxygen

20. What is the main function of a plant’s roots?

A To protect the plant from consumersB To absorb water and minerals from soilC To remove waste products from its stemD To take in food for the leaves of the plant

20. What is the main function of a plant’s roots?

A To protect the plant from consumersB To absorb water and minerals from soilC To remove waste products from its stemD To take in food for the leaves of the plant

21. The different parts of green plants work together to produce their own food from materials in the environment. How do plant parts work together to produce the food necessary for growth and survival?

A Leaves absorb sunlight and minerals from the air. Roots absorb water and use nutrients from the soil to make food.

B Leaves absorb carbon dioxide from the air and use sunlight to make food. Roots absorb water and nutrients from the soil.

C Leaves absorb oxygen and carbon dioxide from the air. Roots absorb water and use sunlight to make food.

D Leaves use sunlight to convert oxygen and nutrients into food. Roots absorb water and nutrients from the soil.

21. The different parts of green plants work together to produce their own food from materials in the environment. How do plant parts work together to produce the food necessary for growth and survival?

A Leaves absorb sunlight and minerals from the air. Roots absorb water and use nutrients from the soil to make food.

B Leaves absorb carbon dioxide from the air and use sunlight to make food. Roots absorb water and nutrients from the soil.

C Leaves absorb oxygen and carbon dioxide from the air. Roots absorb water and use sunlight to make food.

D Leaves use sunlight to convert oxygen and nutrients into food. Roots absorb water and nutrients from the soil.

22. A girl found the skull of an animal. She did not know what the animal was, but she was sure that it preyed on other animals for its food. Which clue led to her conclusion?

A The eye sockets faced sideways.B The skull was much longer than it was wide.C There was a projecting ridge on the front of the skull.D Four of the teeth were long and pointed.

22. A girl found the skull of an animal. She did not know what the animal was, but she was sure that it preyed on other animals for its food. Which clue led to her conclusion?

A The eye sockets faced sideways.B The skull was much longer than it was wide.C There was a projecting ridge on the front of the skull.D Four of the teeth were long and pointed.

23. Why would fewer bees come to a plant if the petals of its flowers were removed?

A There would not be any nectar in the flowers.B The bees would not be attracted to the flowers.C The bees would not have a spot to land while

sipping nectar.D The bees would not be able to leave their scent on the flowers.

23. Why would fewer bees come to a plant if the petals of its flowers were removed?

A There would not be any nectar in the flowers.B The bees would not be attracted to the flowers.C The bees would not have a spot to land while

sipping nectar.D The bees would not be able to leave their scent on the flowers.

24. Peach trees have sweet-smelling blossoms and produce rich fruit. What is the main reason peach blossoms have a sweet smell?

A To attract bees for pollinationsB To create flower arrangementsC To protect the tree from diseaseD To feed migratory birds

24. Peach trees have sweet-smelling blossoms and produce rich fruit. What is the main reason peach blossoms have a sweet smell?

A To attract bees for pollinationsB To create flower arrangementsC To protect the tree from diseaseD To feed migratory birds

25. A niche is the role played by an organism in the natural world. Some animals like the red squirrel pictured above are spreaders. They gather and store seeds, acorns and berries. Which statement below best describes the niche of a red squirrel?

A A red squirrel lives in trees in deciduous forests.B A squirrel’s body serves as hot to ticks and fleas.C A squirrel scatters seeds that can grow to new plants.D A red squirrel helps control the insect population.

25. A niche is the role played by an organism in the natural world. Some animals like the red squirrel pictured above are spreaders. They gather and store seeds, acorns and berries. Which statement below best describes the niche of a red squirrel?

A A red squirrel lives in trees in deciduous forests.B A squirrel’s body serves as hot to ticks and fleas.C A squirrel scatters seeds that can grow to new plants.D A red squirrel helps control the insect population.

26. The Northern green tree frogs are common in many parts of the United States. The green color helps the frog stay alive because it helps the frog—

A find the type of food it needsB hide from its predatorsC look like other frogsD take in sunlight to make food

26. The Northern green tree frogs are common in many parts of the United States. The green color helps the frog stay alive because it helps the frog—

A find the type of food it needsB hide from its predatorsC look like other frogsD take in sunlight to make food

27. A chameleon’s ability to change its color to blend in with its surrounding is an adaptation called—

A selectionB symmetryC evolutionD camouflage

27. A chameleon’s ability to change its color to blend in with its surrounding is an adaptation called—

A selectionB symmetryC evolutionD camouflage

28. Insects that live on the leaves of green plants can best avoid being eaten by having which of the following adaptations?

A Powerful jawsB Green colorationC Egg-laying abilityD External skeleton

28. Insects that live on the leaves of green plants can best avoid being eaten by having which of the following adaptations?

A Powerful jawsB Green colorationC Egg-laying abilityD External skeleton

29. A common grass is pictured to the right. Which labeled parts of the grass absorb most of the minerals needed by this plant?

A Flowers B Leaves C Stems D Roots

29. A common grass is pictured to the right. Which labeled parts of the grass absorb most of the minerals needed by this plant?

A Flowers B Leaves C Stems D Roots

30. Adaptations occur so that living things can better survive in their environment. About how long does it take physical adaptations to occur?

A Very quickly over the course of a yearB Rather quickly over a few years timeC Rather slowly over about fifty yearsD Very slowly, taking generations to occur

30. Adaptations occur so that living things can better survive in their environment. About how long does it take physical adaptations to occur?

A Very quickly over the course of a yearB Rather quickly over a few years timeC Rather slowly over about fifty yearsD Very slowly, taking generations to occur

31. In a healthy ecosystem, many different species of animals may share the same habitat because they each have a different niche. An animal’s niche is best described as —

A the role it plays in its habitatB where it is locatedC its appearanceD its ability to reproduce

31. In a healthy ecosystem, many different species of animals may share the same habitat because they each have a different niche. An animal’s niche is best described as —

A the role it plays in its habitatB where it is locatedC its appearanceD its ability to reproduce

32. What is the main function of the leaves of a plant?

A To catch water for the plantB To make food for the plantC To carry water through the plantD To keep the plant shaded from the sun

32. What is the main function of the leaves of a plant?

A To catch water for the plantB To make food for the plantC To carry water through the plantD To keep the plant shaded from the sun

33. Study the picture of the hawk shown above. Which of the following body parts BEST helps the hawk to meet its basic needs?

A Its sharp claws for grabbing preyB It dark, outer covering of feathersC Its long tail feathers for better swimmingD Its strong back for carrying heavy prey

33. Study the picture of the hawk shown above. Which of the following body parts BEST helps the hawk to meet its basic needs?

A Its sharp claws for grabbing preyB It dark, outer covering of feathersC Its long tail feathers for better swimmingD Its strong back for carrying heavy prey

34. Which of the following BEST explains the differences in appearance of these bird beaks? The birds’ beaks have adapted—

A to eat the same types of foodB to eat different types of foodC to help them fly longer distancesD to help them communicate better

34. Which of the following BEST explains the differences in appearance of these bird beaks? The birds’ beaks have adapted—

A to eat the same types of foodB to eat different types of foodC to help them fly longer distancesD to help them communicate better

35. Which of the following is an example of camouflage?

A The stripes on a zebra that make it difficult to be seen in shady places

B A young kangaroo growing and developing in its mother’s pouch

C The camel’s long eyelashes, which keep the sun out of its eyes

D The long sharp quills that cover a porcupine’s body

35. Which of the following is an example of camouflage?

A The stripes on a zebra that make it difficult to be seen in shady places

B A young kangaroo growing and developing in its mother’s pouch

C The camel’s long eyelashes, which keep the sun out of its eyes

D The long sharp quills that cover a porcupine’s body

36. The feet of birds are adapted for getting food and to allow them to move around when not in flight. The feet of climbing

birds have long, sharp-clawed toes facing forward and backward. Which bird foot pictured below probably belongs to

a climbing bird?

36. The feet of birds are adapted for getting food and to allow them to move around when not in flight. The feet of climbing

birds have long, sharp-clawed toes facing forward and backward. Which bird foot pictured below probably belongs to

a climbing bird?

37. The Osprey, also known as the Fish Hawk, lives in Texas marshes and swamps. Fish are their favorite food. What physical characteristic of an Osprey would help in catching fish?

A Small eyesB Brown feathersC Large wingsD Long talons

37. The Osprey, also known as the Fish Hawk, lives in Texas marshes and swamps. Fish are their favorite food. What physical characteristic of an Osprey would help in catching fish?

A Small eyesB Brown feathersC Large wingsD Long talons

38. Which of the following is an external characteristic shared by a tiger and a zebra?

A Long nosesB Camouflaging stripesC Small, rounded earsD Sharp talons

38. Which of the following is an external characteristic shared by a tiger and a zebra?

A Long nosesB Camouflaging stripesC Small, rounded earsD Sharp talons

39. Which of the following external characteristics of a rose bush keep it from being harmed by consumers in its environment?

A A leafB A thornC A flowerD A seed

39. Which of the following external characteristics of a rose bush keep it from being harmed by consumers in its environment?

A A leafB A thornC A flowerD A seed

40. Look at the beaver tail in the picture above. This tail is adapted to help the beaver move swiftly through the water when swimming. Which of the following foot structures MOST LIKELY belongs to the beaver?

40. Look at the beaver tail in the picture above. This tail is adapted to help the beaver move swiftly through the water when swimming. Which of the following foot structures MOST LIKELY belongs to the beaver?

41. The eyespots on this butterfly’s wings allow it to –

A stay warm in the winterB locate nectar-filled flowersC fly away from predatorsD frighten or confuse enemies

41. The eyespots on this butterfly’s wings allow it to –

A stay warm in the winterB locate nectar-filled flowersC fly away from predatorsD frighten or confuse enemies

42. The purpose of thorns on a plant is most likely to—

A help the plant to get moistureB anchor the plant in the groundC protect the plant from harm D support the stems and branches

42. The purpose of thorns on a plant is most likely to—

A help the plant to get moistureB anchor the plant in the groundC protect the plant from harm D support the stems and branches

43. Most moths have mouthparts that allow them to suck the nectar from plants. Which of the following is

MOST similar to the mouthparts of a moth?

43. Most moths have mouthparts that allow them to suck the nectar from plants. Which of the following is

MOST similar to the mouthparts of a moth?

44. From the shape of its beak and the length of its legs, this bird is best adapted for feeding on which of the following?

A Insects that feed on plants B Small fish in shallow water C Nuts from riverside trees and plants D Birds in ground nests

44. From the shape of its beak and the length of its legs, this bird is best adapted for feeding on which of the following?

A Insects that feed on plants B Small fish in shallow water C Nuts from riverside trees and plants D Birds in ground nests

45. What is the main function of the spines on the prickly cactus shown below?

A To make foodB To provide shadeC To attract insectsD To protect the plant

45. What is the main function of the spines on the prickly cactus shown below?

A To make foodB To provide shadeC To attract insectsD To protect the plant

46. Which part of a sunflower plant functions as the main pathway through which water and nutrients flow to all parts of the plant?

A The flowersB The leavesC The stemD The roots

46. Which part of a sunflower plant functions as the main pathway through which water and nutrients flow to all parts of the plant?

A The flowersB The leavesC The stemD The roots

47. Birds that prey on other birds usually have short, curved beaks and strong feet with sharp talons.

Which of the birds pictured above MOST LIKELY preys on other birds?

A House sparrow B Blue jay C Mourning dove D Sharp-shinned hawk

47. Birds that prey on other birds usually have short, curved beaks and strong feet with sharp talons.

Which of the birds pictured above MOST LIKELY preys on other birds?

A House sparrow B Blue jay C Mourning dove D Sharp-shinned hawk

48. Brightly colored flowers are most often pollinated by —

A windB mammalsC rainfallD insects

48. Brightly colored flowers are most often pollinated by —

A windB mammalsC rainfallD insects

49. Which seed below has structures that allow animals to transport the seed on their fur?

49. Which seed below has structures that allow animals to transport the seed on their fur?

50. What is the main function of the plant structure labeled A?

A Reproduction B Release of minerals C Absorption of water D Support

50. What is the main function of the plant structure labeled A?

A Reproduction B Release of minerals C Absorption of water D Support