4th Grade Science : How Animals Receive and Process Information
Study concepts, example questions & explanations for 4th Grade Science
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Example Questions
Example Question #1 : Describe How Animals Process Information
The brain is where all information received from the senses is processed.
False
True
True
Animals take in information through their five senses, just like humans. Once the information is received, it is processed for understanding and reaction. The brain is the hub for all processing. The mind will send out messages to the rest of the body with instructions on how to react or behave with the information the five senses collected.
Example Question #2 : Describe How Animals Process Information
Vipers, pythons, and boas have a special adaptation that allows them to process information uniquely. These snakes can detect infrared radiation from warm bodies up to a meter away. The snakes then build an image of what is emitting this heat to help the snake decide if it should attack or flee. Snakes have poor eyesight, so these pits are vital.
Which sentence demonstrates how the snakes process the information they receive?
These snakes can detect infrared radiation from warm bodies up to a meter away.
Vipers, pythons, and boas have a special adaptation that allows them to process information uniquely.
The snakes then build an image of what is emitting this heat to help the snake decide if it should attack or flee.
Snakes have poor eyesight, so these pits are vital.
The snakes then build an image of what is emitting this heat to help the snake decide if it should attack or flee.
All of the sentences provide essential information about vipers, pythons, and boas using pits in their heads as infrared radiation sensors. Still, only one demonstrates how the snakes process the information they receive. The holes collect the data, but the snakes' brain processes that data into something usable. "The snakes then build an image of what is emitting this heat to help the snake decide if it should attack or flee." is the sentence that explains how the data is used. An image is built from the information that allows the snake to "see" the figure and decide how to respond.
Example Question #1 : Describe How Animals Process Information
Echolocation is a behavior in which animals emit calls and then listen to the echoes that bounce back off of stable things in the environment. This behavior can be used to navigate and to find food or mates. Orcas, dolphins, sperm whales, and pilot whales are all creatures that use this function to gather information. They release small bursts of air from air sacs in their heads and then through their mouths. This burst of air will make a click or ringing sound. The sound will bounce off an object and return to the whale or dolphin. That information is then transferred to a centralized place (the brain) where it is processed, and the organism responds in ways that will help it survive and reproduce.
Where is the information processed that whales or dolphins receive?
In the gills
In the brain
In the mouth
In the air sac
In the brain
Whales and dolphins are such unique animals with this extraordinary characteristic. Echolocation is beneficial to these animals because of the depths at which some of them live. It is dark and hard to see to locate prey, so this adaptation assists them with the task. The information that is collected when the sound returns are processed in the brain. The sounds are made from stored air in the sacs and released through the mouth, but this is for sending out chirps. These animals are mammals and do not have gills. The returning information is processed through the brain.
Example Question #2 : Describe How Animals Process Information
When animals process information they have received, they often store it for use later as memories. These memories help to influence their future actions.
True
False
True
This is a true statement. When animals receive information, it is processed through the brain. Many times the brain will store this information as a memory to help with similar situations in the future. An example we may all experience is touching something hot. If I touch a hot stove and burn my hand, I will remember in the future not to touch the hot stove again. This is a way to help ensure survival and the furthering of a species or family group.
Example Question #3 : Describe How Animals Process Information
Animals process information to make decisions about how to respond.
True
False
True
This statement is true. Animals receive information by using their five senses, and their brains process what has been taken in to make decisions about how to respond in situations. The nerves and neurons in the brain decipher the information and determine how the data will be stored or used.
Example Question #1 : Describe How Animals Process Information
Platypus have a "sixth-sense" that allows them to hunt underwater: electroreception. To find meals in the mud, it uses its bill to detect movements and subtle electric fields produced by its prey. Receptors on the bill detect changes in pressure and motion. Two types of receptors track the electrical signals produced by small prey when they contract their muscles. The platypus moves its head side-to-side to determine the direction and distance of its next meal by collecting and processing this sensory information. The platypus has about 40,000 of these special receptors.
Based on the passage, which of the following sentences best describes how the platypus processes an electrical signal?
The platypus’ bill detects the movement of the electrical signal, which is then processed by its brain.
The platypus’ eyes see the movement of the electrical signal, which is then processed by its brain.
The platypus’ tail first detects the signal and works as an oar to turn it in the right direction.
The platypus cannot process electrical signals because it is a platypus.
The platypus’ bill detects the movement of the electrical signal, which is then processed by its brain.
The passage explains that platypus use electroreception signals via their bills to locate prey. Their bill may first detect the signal, but their brains must process the signal to then begin their hunt. Remember that the brain processes all information received from the senses.
Example Question #2 : Describe How Animals Process Information
True or false: A chameleon changing colors is an example of an animal processing information.
False
True
True
A chameleon changing colors is a perfect example of the nervous system (brain) at work. When the chameleon’s skin experiences a change in temperature or mood, its brain processes the shift and reacts appropriately by expanding and contracting cells that contain pigment sacs. Just like any other animal, the chameleon is reliant on its mind to process external stimuli.
Example Question #8 : Describe How Animals Process Information
True or false: Animals are similar to humans because they both use sense organs to gather information from the environment.
True
False
True
The way in which an organism gathers information will depend on the organism and the body structures that pick up signals from the environment. Many animals, like humans, have sense organs that gather information from the environment through seeing, hearing, feeling, smelling, and tasting. Some animals have sensory receptors or other mechanisms that allow them to sense such things as light, temperature, moisture, and movement.
Source: (http://media.ride.ri.gov/eeie/Resources/RIModelCurr/UnitsofS/4th_Units_of_Study/RIDE_NGSS_Gr04_Unit4_2014May24_final.pdf)
Example Question #3 : Describe How Animals Process Information
Why is it important that the animals’ brains process and store information?
Animals are easily bored, so processing information keeps them busy.
Animals don’t remember information for a long time, so their brains need to be continually processing information.
None of these answers explain why processing and storing information in the brain is important.
Animals use reflex reactions and learned behaviors to survive and reproduce.
Animals use reflex reactions and learned behaviors to survive and reproduce.
Animals rely on their abilities to use sensory programs to stay alive. Their brains process information quickly to help them hunt, stay alive, and reproduce. Animals’ brains, like humans’, store information so they can also reference learned behaviors when similar scenarios arise and make decisions quickly.
Example Question #1 : Describe How Animals Process Information
Which of the following is an example of a type of information an animal may process?
Changes in temperature
Infrared radiation
Electric signals
All of the responses are correct
All of the responses are correct
Animals process many different types of information. Snakes, for example, can process infrared radiation to assist in hunting. Chameleons process changes in temperature, and their skin changes colors accordingly. Platypus can detect electric signals using their bills to find prey in the mud.
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