3rd Grade Science : Life Science
Study concepts, example questions & explanations for 3rd Grade Science
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Example Questions
Example Question #2 : Argue That In A Habitat Some Organisms Survive Less Well
Alligators are freshwater reptiles that need warm, wet environments to live. They can live in areas with short periods of cold but cannot stand long, harsh winters. They can eat a wide variety of prey (fish, turtles, small/medium mammals, etc.) and can move from water source to water source. They can live for short periods in saltwater but need freshwater long term.
Based on the provided information, if an alligator is moved to a Northern state, what would most likely happen?
The alligator may live during the warmer months but would not survive the winter.
The alligator would die immediately upon its arrival.
There is no way to predict what would happen to an alligator if it was moved north.
The alligator would adapt and do well all year long.
The alligator may live during the warmer months but would not survive the winter.
Northern states are known to have cold winter, and in many areas they experience long periods with freezing temperatures and frozen water. Alligators cannot survive in the winter months in a Northern state. The alligator may be fine during the warmer seasons but would not survive all year. Many alligators are moving further north in the United States, but they are still not able to reach the upper Northern states due to the cold winters.
Example Question #3 : Argue That In A Habitat Some Organisms Survive Less Well
Allison, Rachel, and Erik are arguing about why some organisms don’t survive as well as others in a habitat. They are thinking about a panda bear as an example.
Which answer choice contains the best argument of what would happen to a panda bear if moved to a desert?
Erik - "I believe that a panda bear could survive in the desert if it becomes less nervous about leaving its natural habitat."
Allison - "I believe that a panda bear can survive just as well in a desert as its natural habitat. Panda bears can adapt quickly to the heat and lack of bamboo."
Rachel - "I believe that a panda bear will not survive as well in the desert as its natural habitat because they won't have the right food, shelter, or weather conditions."
None of the friends are correct in their thinking.
Rachel - "I believe that a panda bear will not survive as well in the desert as its natural habitat because they won't have the right food, shelter, or weather conditions."
The best argument for what would happen to panda bears if moved to the desert is Rachel's argument. The reasoning she gave was clear and correct. If animals don't have the right traits for that particular environment, they will not survive as well. If something changes in their habitat and they don't adapt quickly, they may not survive as well as another plant or animal.
Example Question #111 : Life Science
What would happen to an organism if it was moved from its natural environment to somewhere new?
It will perish immediately and cannot live outside of its natural habitat at all.
It may not survive as well, depending on the conditions and its natural adaptations.
There is no way to predict what will happen to an organism outside of its natural habitat.
It will survive better than it does in its natural habitat and adapt quickly.
It may not survive as well, depending on the conditions and its natural adaptations.
If an organism is moved from its natural habitat, it may not survive as well as it did previously. If the new environment has different conditions (weather, food source, water source, etc.), it may not be able to adapt. If an organism has specific natural adaptations to a desert environment, for example, it will have difficulty living somewhere cold or very wet because it is not suited to it.
Example Question #7 : Argue That In A Habitat Some Organisms Survive Less Well
Bromeliads: Bromeliads grow on tree trunks and branches and wrap their roots around the trees. They need wet habitats to grow well. They have a center portion like a cup or bowl that collects water. Their leaves are waxy, and the water slides into the center. The leaves are long and curved to collect water.
Which habitat would a bromeliad be able to survive in, but less well when compared to its natural habitat?
Grassland
Tundra
Swamp
Desert
Swamp
A bromeliad is a plant that thrives in warm wet environments. They are typically found in tropical and sub-tropical areas, so they may survive in a swamp. Swamps are damp and have a lot of trees and standing water, but depending on the location, rain is not as frequent as places bromeliads usually live. They may survive in the swamps but not as well as their natural habitats.
Example Question #1 : Argue That In A Habitat Some Organisms Cannot Survive
Some organisms cannot survive in a habitat that has had members removed.
True
False
True
The statement is true. If the primary food source has been removed from an environment, some of the organisms will not survive. An example is if ants were to be removed from the forest, there would be an adverse chain reaction. Anything that eats ants would need to adapt or face starvation. If they could not adapt and died, this would start the next wave of changes to the habitat because another food source is gone. Some organisms will not survive a slight shift in the ecosystem.
Example Question #1 : Argue That In A Habitat Some Organisms Cannot Survive
Panda: This bear is huge and can weigh up to 300 pounds. It has very thick black and white fur that keeps it warm when it is cold or chilly outside. It primarily eats bamboo but will also eat rodents, grass, and meat if needed. They drink their water from streams and rivers. They take shelter in hollow trees and the holes between rocks.
The panda would survive very well because it is adapted and has the traits to live in the Sahara Desert.
The panda would survive less well in the desert than other places because it is not adapted and does not have the traits to live in the Sahara.
There is not enough information to decide if the panda could survive in the desert.
The panda would not survive because it is not adapted and does not have the traits to live in the Sahara Desert.
The panda would not survive because it is not adapted and does not have the traits to live in the Sahara Desert.
In this habitat, the panda would not survive. The panda has thick fur to protect it against cold weather, and the desert is sweltering, so it would overheat quickly. It's black and white coat would offer no camouflage in the sand, and there is no water source for the panda to drink from. The food sources that pandas rely on are not available in the Sahara. The panda would not survive in this habitat because it is not adapted to live there.
Example Question #3 : Argue That In A Habitat Some Organisms Cannot Survive
A bromeliad would not survive in the desert. It has none of the characteristics needed to live in this habitat.
A bromeliad would survive very well in the desert. It has all of the characteristics needed to live in this habitat.
There is not enough information to decide if the bromeliad can survive in the desert.
A bromeliad would survive less well in the desert. It has some of the characteristics needed to live in this habitat.
A bromeliad would not survive in the desert. It has none of the characteristics needed to live in this habitat.
When reviewing the facts about a desert and the bromeliad plant, the bromeliad does not have the traits or attributes needed to survive. Bromeliads need trees, a wet environment, and lots of rain. The desert is the opposite type of habitat and not ideal for a bromeliad to live.
Example Question #1 : Argue That In A Habitat Some Organisms Cannot Survive
Which animal would NOT survive living in or around a freshwater lake and why?
A trout would not survive because a lake would be too deep for it to swim in.
A dolphin would not survive because they are not adapted to living in freshwater.
An alligator would not survive because there is nothing for it to eat in a lake.
A mosquito would not survive because there is no water source for it to lay its eggs on.
A dolphin would not survive because they are not adapted to living in freshwater.
A dolphin would not survive living in or around a freshwater lake. A dolphin is an aquatic creature meaning it lives in water, but it lives in saltwater. Dolphins are found in the ocean, not ponds or lakes. A dolphin does not have the right traits to survive living in freshwater.
Example Question #2 : Argue That In A Habitat Some Organisms Cannot Survive
Grasslands - The grasslands in the Northern hemisphere are vast, open terrains with flowers and grass. There is enough rain to support small amounts of trees and lots of grass. The soil is thin and dry, and there are often wildfires. The temperatures range from very cold (in the negatives) to comfortable (in the mid-70's).
Which animal would NOT survive in this habitat, and why?
A polar bear would not survive because the grassland has nothing it needs to live.
A hawk would not survive because there is nothing in a grassy area for it to hunt.
A spider would not survive because it would be at risk of getting squished.
A rabbit would not survive because it would get eaten right away by a predator.
A polar bear would not survive because the grassland has nothing it needs to live.
A polar bear would not survive in this habitat because none of its basic survival needs would be met, and it does not have the inherited traits for the environment. Polar bears live on sea ice in freezing habitats and primarily eat seals. They have thick fur and a layer of fat to keep them warm. They are solitary creatures who hunt through openings in the ice. There would be no ice, seals, or constant freezing temperatures in a grassland habitat to support the bear.
Example Question #3 : Argue That In A Habitat Some Organisms Cannot Survive
Amazon Rainforest: In the Amazon Rainforest is rains almost every day. There are very tall trees that create a canopy, and the ground of the forest is covered in plants. The plants on the ground try to grow wide or tall to reach sunlight. The very tall trees can block much of the sunlight.
Which animal would most likely NOT survive in this habitat, and why?
A hawk would not survive because there is nothing in a grassy area for it to hunt.
A rabbit would not survive because it would have nowhere to hide.
A parrot would not survive because it would be too loud and pretty.
A spider would not survive because it would be at risk of getting squished.
A hawk would not survive because there is nothing in a grassy area for it to hunt.
In this type of environment, it would be tough for a hawk to survive. Hawks hunt small mammals that they spot with their keen eyesight on the ground in grassy fields and open areas. They fly high above, looking for prey and swoop down on them. In a rainforest, it can be dark, and there is limited open space to hunt. It would be difficult for hawks to adapt and find food.
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