Recognize trait advantages in context

Supplied materials

• All measurements and observations below are supplied classroom examples. They are not data from actual learners or a claim about a particular real site.
• Paper, drawing space or a browser document.
• Reference card A: appearance reduces visibility against background. Reference card B: covering reduces heat loss in this record.
• Assessment case 1: Which scientific label fits the specifically described step or feature? Supplied case: Color blends into habitat.
• Assessment case 2: Which scientific label fits the specifically described step or feature? Supplied case: Thick coat reduces heat loss.
• Assessment case 3: Which scientific label fits the specifically described step or feature? Supplied case: Waxy surface reduces water loss.
• Assessment case 4: Which scientific label fits the specifically described step or feature? Supplied case: Claws help hold branches.
• Assessment case 5: Which scientific label fits the specifically described step or feature? Supplied case: Pattern makes animal harder to see.
• Assessment case 6: Which scientific label fits the specifically described step or feature? Supplied case: Coating limits drying.

Learn the idea

A trait may help in one environment and not another. Organisms do not choose inherited traits because they need them. These supplied models describe survival differences, not intent.

Camouflage means appearance reduces visibility against background. Insulation means covering reduces heat loss in this record. Water retention means structure reduces water loss in this record. Grasping means structure helps hold the supplied surface.

For camouflage, look for the clue “appearance reduces visibility against background.” For insulation, look for “covering reduces heat loss in this record.” More than one process can happen in a real situation. Answer about the one described in this question.

1. Read or listen to the four science words and what each means. Say how the first two differ.
2. Choose two of the short cases. Point to the clue that helps you choose a science word for each one. You may draw or say your answer.
3. Answer each practice question. Say which clue helped you, then check the explanation.
4. Use the extra task to make two examples that show different science words. Draw or say what makes each one fit.

Check your reasoning

Your answer is temporary and is not saved to an account. Download your current answer before leaving or reloading. Written work on paper or in another app stays in your own file.

Take it further

Create one new case showing camouflage and one showing insulation. Expected: the first explicitly shows “appearance reduces visibility against background”; the second explicitly shows “covering reduces heat loss in this record.” Explain the distinction by drawing, speaking or writing. A label without a matching feature is incomplete.

Nothing here is saved to an account or sent to a teacher. The answer download includes your current choice and any checked feedback. It does not include choices from the separate More practice section. Download that section separately.