3rd Grade Science : 3rd Grade Science

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for 3rd Grade Science

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Example Questions

Example Question #7 : Use Evidence To Explain Environmental Impacts On Traits

Matt got a new dog for his birthday. He wasn't sure how much to feed him, so he gave him two scoops. Matt also didn't like to walk him because it was so hot, so he didn't take him for long walks. When the dog would tease for treats, he always gave in because the dog was just so cute! When Matt got the dog, he was 35 pounds, and within a few months, he is almost 50 pounds but hasn't gotten taller. The rest of the dogs from the same litter are still 35 pounds.
 
What could Matt do to reverse the environmental impact on the dog's natural traits?
Possible Answers:

Take the dog for daily walks

All of the answer choices are correct

Stop giving him treats

Put the dog on a diet

Correct answer:

All of the answer choices are correct

Explanation:

Matt and the dog's environment have had an impact on the dog's weight. This trait is predetermined by genes and then effected by choices like diet and exercise. When Matt overfed the dog, gave it too many treats, and did not take it out for long walks, the dog gained weight. He has impacted this inherited trait with environmental changes. If Matt wants to reverse these changes, he will need to change the environment the dog is living in. Matt can give the dog fewer treats, put the dog on a diet, and he can take the dog on long walks. All of these new factors in the dog's life may reverse the weight gain.

Example Question #2 : Environmental Impact On Traits

Sasha planted huge shrubs and trees in her backyard to give her privacy from her neighbors. She created lots of shade to sit in on hot summer days. What she didn't realize was that all of the darkness was hurting her smaller plants. They are supposed to be green and stand straight, but now they are wilting and brown.

What can Sasha do to reduce the environmental impact that the tall shrubs have on her small plants?

Possible Answers:

Move the chairs further from the small plants

Trim the shrubs to allow more light

Plant new short shrubs next to the tall ones

There is no way to reduce the impact on the small plants

Correct answer:

Trim the shrubs to allow more light

Explanation:

Plants inherit traits from their parents, including their stem color, leaf shape, flower color, and height. If the environmental factors impact those traits, that means they are causing changes. In this case, the difference is a negative one. The plants need sunlight to grow tall and healthy, but the large shrubs and trees are blocking that light. If Sasha trims the tall shrubs, it may allow more light to filter down to the small plants. If the small plants receive more sunlight, they may begin to regrow leaves and become stronger and healthier.

Example Question #1 : Explain How Traits Are Influenced By The Environment

Even though traits are inherited, they are also influenced by the environment. The environment and the characteristics of an organism are in a cause and effect relationship.

Possible Answers:

False

True

Correct answer:

True

Explanation:

This statement is true. Organisms are born with specific traits inherited from their parents, but the environment can influence them. In cases where food is limited, a typically massive animal may be skinny, or shade over a plant may cause it to be stunted in growth.

Example Question #1 : Explain How Traits Are Influenced By The Environment

How were the plant's traits influenced by the environment based on the data table?

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Possible Answers:

The plants in Field A were shorter because they got too much water.

The plants in Field B were shorter because they did not receive enough water.

The plant was not affected by any environmental factors.

The plants received the same amount of water and were influenced equally.

Correct answer:

The plants in Field B were shorter because they did not receive enough water.

Explanation:

The data table presents two wheat fields that received a different amount of water each day. The plant that received the least amount of water was the shortest. Based on this evidence, environmental factors have influenced the height of the plant.

Example Question #1 : Explain How Traits Are Influenced By The Environment

Bullfrog A - She lives in a pond with lots of insects, Lilly pads, and freshwater. She is a normal-sized frog and gets plenty to eat so she can grow strong.

Bullfrog B - She lives in a backyard puddle with a few bugs, grass, and only rainwater. She is a small frog and a little on the thin side.

What trait is being influenced by the environment?

Possible Answers:

The frog's weight

The frog's height

The frog's color

The frog's pattern

Correct answer:

The frog's weight

Explanation:

The trait that is being influenced by the environment is the frog's weight. Bullfrog A is a healthy weight because she has plenty to eat. Bullfrog B is thin and small because she does not have plentiful food. If the food source for an animal is scarce, the size, weight, or growth speed of that animal may change. The environment influences the traits of both plants and animals.

Example Question #1 : Explain How Traits Are Influenced By The Environment

Bullfrog A - She lives in a pond with lots of insects, Lilly pads, and freshwater. She is a normal-sized frog and gets plenty to eat so she can grow strong.

Bullfrog B - She lives in a backyard puddle with a few bugs, grass, and only rainwater. She is a small frog and a little on the thin side.

How does the environment influence the traits of the frog?

Possible Answers:

The number of insects influences the frog's weight

The size of the frog influences the water source

The size of the water source influences the frog's color

The type of plants influences the frog's height

Correct answer:

The number of insects influences the frog's weight

Explanation:

The environment influences a plant or animal's traits. Depending on the conditions that the animal or plant lives in, they will make adaptations to survive. In the case of our bullfrogs, there is a difference in size and weight. Bullfrog A has access to a plentiful food source and is large and healthy. Bullfrog B is smaller and thin because she only has access to a few bugs. Due to a difference in the environmental factors, there is a difference in the weight of the frogs.

Example Question #1 : Explain How Traits Are Influenced By The Environment

What might happen to your adult height if you do not have proper nutrition as a child?

Possible Answers:

You may be heavier than expected.

You may be shorter than expected.

You may be lighter than expected.

You may grow taller than expected.

Correct answer:

You may be shorter than expected.

Explanation:

Environmental factors influence traits in plants and animals. These traits include things like weight, height, size, and color. If a child does not get proper nutrition, their height may be stunted as an adult. Without the right vitamins and nutrients, they may not reach their inherited potential due to environmental influences.

Example Question #1 : Explain How Traits Are Influenced By The Environment

How would a dog's weight be impacted if all they ate lots of treats and never exercised?

Possible Answers:

They may be underweight.

They may be overweight.

They may grow very tall.

They may be very short.

Correct answer:

They may be overweight.

Explanation:

Environmental factors influence traits in plants and animals. These traits include things like weight, height, size, and color. If a dog does not get proper nutrition and exercise, their weight will be negatively impacted. The dog is likely to be overweight if the environmental factors are not changed. Without the right vitamins, nutrients, and exercise, they may not reach their inherited potential due to environmental influences.

Example Question #1 : Explain How Traits Are Influenced By The Environment

Cat A - She lives in a house with humans. They feed her daily, give her freshwater, and provide lots of toys for her to play with. Her humans let her sleep on the soft bed, takes her to the veterinarians, and pet her.

Cat B - She lives in the parking lot of a fast-food restaurant. She eats what she finds for scraps and drinks from puddles. She has never been to a vet and sleeps under the big tree in the back. She is terrified of humans.

What traits are influenced by the cats' environment?

Possible Answers:

All of the answer choices are correct.

The living environment influences the cats' weight.

The living environment influences the cats' comfort with people.

The living environment influences the cats' health.

Correct answer:

All of the answer choices are correct.

Explanation:

The environment influences a plant or animal's traits. Depending on the conditions that the animal or plant lives in, they will make adaptations to survive. These cats are living in very different situations, and this will impact the traits of the cats. Their weight, health, and comfort with people will all be affected by the conditions they live in. Cat A has access to food, clean water, medical care, and daily positive interactions with people, whereas Cat B is scared of people, eats scraps, and drinks dirty water. These different living situations will impact the cats' physical and behavioral traits.

Example Question #1 : Explain How Traits Are Influenced By The Environment

Cat A - She lives in a house with humans. They feed her daily, give her freshwater, and provide lots of toys for her to play with. Her humans let her sleep on the soft bed, takes her to the veterinarians, and pet her.

Cat B - She lives in the parking lot of a fast-food restaurant. She eats what she finds for scraps and drinks from puddles. She has never been to a vet and sleeps under the big tree in the back. She is terrified of humans.

How does the environment influence the cats' traits?

Possible Answers:

The type of food the cats eat influences their toy preference

Their interactions with humans influence their behaviors with them

The location the cats live in influences their fur color

The type of water the cats drink influences their sleep patterns

Correct answer:

Their interactions with humans influence their behaviors with them

Explanation:

The environment influences a plant or animal's traits. Depending on the conditions that the animal or plant lives in, they will make adaptations to survive. In the case of our cats, there is a difference in their behavior with humans. Cat A has access to humans daily and experiences positive interactions with them. Cat B is terrified of humans and has had limited interactions with them. Due to environmental factors, there is a difference in the behaviors of the cats.

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