Characteristics Among Species - 3rd Grade Science
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What does the term advantage mean? Example: The more beautiful and showy a male peacocks tail is, the more advantage it has over other birds to attract a mate.
What does the term advantage mean? Example: The more beautiful and showy a male peacocks tail is, the more advantage it has over other birds to attract a mate.
The term advantage means that someone or something has a quality or is in a circumstance that puts it into a superior position. The peacocks in the example that have the most elaborate tail feathers would be more likely to attract a mate because they have an advantage or a superior quality when compared to the other birds. The animals and plants which have variations in their traits that lead to these benefits are going to pass them on to their offspring and create strength in their species or family group.
The term advantage means that someone or something has a quality or is in a circumstance that puts it into a superior position. The peacocks in the example that have the most elaborate tail feathers would be more likely to attract a mate because they have an advantage or a superior quality when compared to the other birds. The animals and plants which have variations in their traits that lead to these benefits are going to pass them on to their offspring and create strength in their species or family group.
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Many species of frogs attract their mate with vocal calls and noises. Which variation in vocal calls would best help a frog attract a mate?
Many species of frogs attract their mate with vocal calls and noises. Which variation in vocal calls would best help a frog attract a mate?
Trait variations are changes and adaptations to the characteristics for survival and mating. Male frogs need to attract mates, and they use their vocal calls to get their attention. The variation that would attract the most mates would be to have the loudest cry. This would allow more female frogs to hear the calls and react. Frogs with soft, weak calls would not receive as much attention, and those frogs would receive fewer opportunities to meet a mate.
Trait variations are changes and adaptations to the characteristics for survival and mating. Male frogs need to attract mates, and they use their vocal calls to get their attention. The variation that would attract the most mates would be to have the loudest cry. This would allow more female frogs to hear the calls and react. Frogs with soft, weak calls would not receive as much attention, and those frogs would receive fewer opportunities to meet a mate.
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Individual variations in traits give plants and animals certain mating advantages over others.
Individual variations in traits give plants and animals certain mating advantages over others.
The statement is true and accurate. Some animals and plants have trait variations that lead them to have advantages with attracting mates. If an animal has brighter feathers or a flower has more colorful petals, they are more likely to be selected for pollination or mating. These advantages put them in a better position than other organisms.
The statement is true and accurate. Some animals and plants have trait variations that lead them to have advantages with attracting mates. If an animal has brighter feathers or a flower has more colorful petals, they are more likely to be selected for pollination or mating. These advantages put them in a better position than other organisms.
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For many species of male ducks, the birds that have the most ornate and colorful feathers are selected as a mate. The female birds are more muted in color. The females must sit on the nests to incubate their eggs, and the brown colors help them to blend in from predators. Also, male ducks are larger than the female ducks.

Why would the female look for the largest and most colorful male duck to be her mate?
For many species of male ducks, the birds that have the most ornate and colorful feathers are selected as a mate. The female birds are more muted in color. The females must sit on the nests to incubate their eggs, and the brown colors help them to blend in from predators. Also, male ducks are larger than the female ducks.
Why would the female look for the largest and most colorful male duck to be her mate?
Female ducks usually choose the larger and more colorful male to be her mate because they are perceived to be the best choices. If they are large, it probably means they are good at finding food and can protect her and the ducklings. Ducks have a great sense of color so they can see which male has the most beautiful and healthy feathers. The female ducks want the best chance at their baby surviving, so they look for the most reliable genes to pass on. The biggest and most colorful ducks probably have these genes.
Female ducks usually choose the larger and more colorful male to be her mate because they are perceived to be the best choices. If they are large, it probably means they are good at finding food and can protect her and the ducklings. Ducks have a great sense of color so they can see which male has the most beautiful and healthy feathers. The female ducks want the best chance at their baby surviving, so they look for the most reliable genes to pass on. The biggest and most colorful ducks probably have these genes.
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Which trait variation would NOT give an animal an advantage in finding a mate?
Which trait variation would NOT give an animal an advantage in finding a mate?
Three of the answer choices are characteristics of the animal that it currently has and aid in finding a mate. If a giraffe had a short neck, it would have a hard time finding a mate. Female giraffes know that their food source is leaves high in the trees, so a short-necked mate would mean their babies could have short necks. If the giraffe has a short neck, it cannot reach food as efficiently and may struggle. The female is less likely to pick a mate who could be seen as weak or give her weak offspring.
Three of the answer choices are characteristics of the animal that it currently has and aid in finding a mate. If a giraffe had a short neck, it would have a hard time finding a mate. Female giraffes know that their food source is leaves high in the trees, so a short-necked mate would mean their babies could have short necks. If the giraffe has a short neck, it cannot reach food as efficiently and may struggle. The female is less likely to pick a mate who could be seen as weak or give her weak offspring.
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Many species of frogs attract their mate with vocal calls and noises. Which variation in vocal calls would NOT help a frog attract a mate?
Many species of frogs attract their mate with vocal calls and noises. Which variation in vocal calls would NOT help a frog attract a mate?
Trait variations are changes and adaptations to the characteristics for survival and mating. Male frogs need to attract mates, and they use their vocal calls to get their attention. The variation that would attract the most mates would be to have the loudest cry. This would allow more female frogs to hear the calls and react. A distant call would make the frog stand out against the other males. A muffled cry would NOT help him attract a mate. A muffled call would be hard to hear and not allow the frog to stand out.
Trait variations are changes and adaptations to the characteristics for survival and mating. Male frogs need to attract mates, and they use their vocal calls to get their attention. The variation that would attract the most mates would be to have the loudest cry. This would allow more female frogs to hear the calls and react. A distant call would make the frog stand out against the other males. A muffled cry would NOT help him attract a mate. A muffled call would be hard to hear and not allow the frog to stand out.
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For many species of male ducks, the birds that have the most ornate and colorful feathers are selected as a mate. The female birds are more muted in color. The females must sit on the nests to incubate their eggs, and the brown colors help them to blend in from predators. Also, male ducks are larger than the female ducks.

Which duck below would the female be most UNLIKELY to choose has her mate?
For many species of male ducks, the birds that have the most ornate and colorful feathers are selected as a mate. The female birds are more muted in color. The females must sit on the nests to incubate their eggs, and the brown colors help them to blend in from predators. Also, male ducks are larger than the female ducks.
Which duck below would the female be most UNLIKELY to choose has her mate?
Female ducks usually choose the larger and more colorful male to be her mate because they are perceived to be the best choices. If they are large, it probably means they are good at finding food and can protect her and the ducklings. Ducks have a great sense of color so they can see which male has the most beautiful and healthy feathers. The female ducks want the best chance at their baby surviving, so they look for the most reliable genes to pass on. The biggest and most colorful ducks probably have these genes. The duck that the female would be least likely to pick has gray and brown muted feathers and is not ornate or brightly colored in any way. He is least likely to stand out to her.
Female ducks usually choose the larger and more colorful male to be her mate because they are perceived to be the best choices. If they are large, it probably means they are good at finding food and can protect her and the ducklings. Ducks have a great sense of color so they can see which male has the most beautiful and healthy feathers. The female ducks want the best chance at their baby surviving, so they look for the most reliable genes to pass on. The biggest and most colorful ducks probably have these genes. The duck that the female would be least likely to pick has gray and brown muted feathers and is not ornate or brightly colored in any way. He is least likely to stand out to her.
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Which trait variation would give an animal an advantage in finding a mate?
Which trait variation would give an animal an advantage in finding a mate?
All of the answer choices are characteristics of the animal that would make it stand out as an exceptional mate. Each of the listed examples provides a trait that has become adapted in the gene pool that makes it an excellent choice for a mate. A large eagle is more likely to survive fights and find food making it ideal. A giraffe tat is skilled at locating leaves will help keep a family alive. A female chicken is charged with caring for young, so if she is a good mother, a male chicken may be more likely to select her as a mate. All of these are trait variations that give the animal an advantage.
All of the answer choices are characteristics of the animal that would make it stand out as an exceptional mate. Each of the listed examples provides a trait that has become adapted in the gene pool that makes it an excellent choice for a mate. A large eagle is more likely to survive fights and find food making it ideal. A giraffe tat is skilled at locating leaves will help keep a family alive. A female chicken is charged with caring for young, so if she is a good mother, a male chicken may be more likely to select her as a mate. All of these are trait variations that give the animal an advantage.
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Plants do not need to find mates, so they do not develop variations in their traits.
Plants do not need to find mates, so they do not develop variations in their traits.
The statement is false and inaccurate. Plants do have trait variations that lead them to have advantages with attracting "mates." If a flower has more colorful petals, they are more likely to be selected for pollination. These advantages put them in a better position than other organisms. Plants don't attract mates in a traditional sense, but they still must attract pollinators to reproduce and create new plants.
The statement is false and inaccurate. Plants do have trait variations that lead them to have advantages with attracting "mates." If a flower has more colorful petals, they are more likely to be selected for pollination. These advantages put them in a better position than other organisms. Plants don't attract mates in a traditional sense, but they still must attract pollinators to reproduce and create new plants.
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What is a trait? Example: Male ducks develop brightly colored feathers. This trait helps them stand out to potential mates.
What is a trait? Example: Male ducks develop brightly colored feathers. This trait helps them stand out to potential mates.
A trait is a quality, feature, or characteristic that stands out or makes something/someone distinguishable. In the example, the duck has brightly colored feathers. This allows him to stand out, and female ducks will be more likely to notice him. Traits can be physical, like the example or behavioral. They are passed down by parents to offspring.
A trait is a quality, feature, or characteristic that stands out or makes something/someone distinguishable. In the example, the duck has brightly colored feathers. This allows him to stand out, and female ducks will be more likely to notice him. Traits can be physical, like the example or behavioral. They are passed down by parents to offspring.
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Which plant does NOT have a trait variation that would give it a survival advantage?
Which plant does NOT have a trait variation that would give it a survival advantage?
The daisy does not have a trait variation that gives it a survival advantage. All of the other plants have a defense mechanism, thorns. The cactus, the rose, and the spurred bush all have spikey thorns on the stems to protect the plant from being eaten. This is a trait variation that gives it an advantage over other plants in the area that do not have a way to protect themselves.
The daisy does not have a trait variation that gives it a survival advantage. All of the other plants have a defense mechanism, thorns. The cactus, the rose, and the spurred bush all have spikey thorns on the stems to protect the plant from being eaten. This is a trait variation that gives it an advantage over other plants in the area that do not have a way to protect themselves.
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Are all animals in a group the same? Why or why not?
Are all animals in a group the same? Why or why not?
All animals in a group are not the same. Animals inherit traits from their parents as well as learn them based on observation and teaching. Over time animals' characteristics will vary depending on their conditions and survival needs. An animal may develop camouflage or other defense tactics to protect itself and keep it from being eaten. As demands for survival change, so do animal traits.
All animals in a group are not the same. Animals inherit traits from their parents as well as learn them based on observation and teaching. Over time animals' characteristics will vary depending on their conditions and survival needs. An animal may develop camouflage or other defense tactics to protect itself and keep it from being eaten. As demands for survival change, so do animal traits.
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Which animal is demonstrating a trait that leads to a survival advantage?
Which animal is demonstrating a trait that leads to a survival advantage?
The animal that is demonstrating a trait that gives it a survival advantage is an owl. It is so well camouflaged with the tree that a predator is less likely to see it. Over time animals and plants will have variations in their traits that help them to survive in their specific conditions. The animals or plants that can adapt will outlive those who cannot.
The animal that is demonstrating a trait that gives it a survival advantage is an owl. It is so well camouflaged with the tree that a predator is less likely to see it. Over time animals and plants will have variations in their traits that help them to survive in their specific conditions. The animals or plants that can adapt will outlive those who cannot.
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Which answer choice best explains what the term variation means? Example: The moth's variation in color pattern helps it blend in with the bark.
Which answer choice best explains what the term variation means? Example: The moth's variation in color pattern helps it blend in with the bark.
The term variation refers to something that changes or is different. When there is a variation in color or pattern, like in the example, that means there is a change in the shade or design. Animals and plants may also have a variation in traits, which means that over time their characteristics may change or adapt to the environment they are living in to help them survive.
The term variation refers to something that changes or is different. When there is a variation in color or pattern, like in the example, that means there is a change in the shade or design. Animals and plants may also have a variation in traits, which means that over time their characteristics may change or adapt to the environment they are living in to help them survive.
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Explain how the cheetahs' variation in traits has given it a survival advantage above other animals.

Explain how the cheetahs' variation in traits has given it a survival advantage above other animals.
The cheetah is just one of many predators in Africa, hunting for food daily. The cheetah has a variation in its traits that makes it unique and well suited for the environment it lives in and the prey it hunts. The cheetah has developed over many years the ability to run incredibly fast. When hunting gazelles and other fast land animals, the cheetah has to be able to outrun and catch the prey. These high speeds have helped the cheetah survive while other predators have not done so well.
The cheetah is just one of many predators in Africa, hunting for food daily. The cheetah has a variation in its traits that makes it unique and well suited for the environment it lives in and the prey it hunts. The cheetah has developed over many years the ability to run incredibly fast. When hunting gazelles and other fast land animals, the cheetah has to be able to outrun and catch the prey. These high speeds have helped the cheetah survive while other predators have not done so well.
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Plants and animals have variations in their physical and behavioral traits. How do these variations provide advantages to their survival?
Plants and animals have variations in their physical and behavioral traits. How do these variations provide advantages to their survival?
Traits can be learned or inherited and aid animals and plants in survival. Variations are changes or differences. A variation in a trait is a change or difference in the trait. As plants or animals need to adapt to changes in their environment, their characteristics may need to adjust as well. An example would be if insects or animals are eating a plant over many years, it may develop thorns or spikes to keep it from being eaten. This change in structure and traits give the plant a survival advantage.
Traits can be learned or inherited and aid animals and plants in survival. Variations are changes or differences. A variation in a trait is a change or difference in the trait. As plants or animals need to adapt to changes in their environment, their characteristics may need to adjust as well. An example would be if insects or animals are eating a plant over many years, it may develop thorns or spikes to keep it from being eaten. This change in structure and traits give the plant a survival advantage.
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The saguaro cactus has adapted in many ways to the harsh environment it lives in. The roots of a juvenile cactus reach as far as two meters and grow even more extensive as the cactus ages. Widespread roots systems allow the caucus to gather as much moisture as possible from the desert soil. This trait variation enables the cactus to collect water when rainfall is so rare. The saguaro has a large barrel-shaped stem that allows it to store water. It has no leaves, so it does not lose water to transpiration. One trait that varies from other plants is the long thorns on the stem of the cactus. These thorns keep animals away, so they don't drink the water inside.
Which variation(s) of traits give the saguaro cactus a survival advantage?
The saguaro cactus has adapted in many ways to the harsh environment it lives in. The roots of a juvenile cactus reach as far as two meters and grow even more extensive as the cactus ages. Widespread roots systems allow the caucus to gather as much moisture as possible from the desert soil. This trait variation enables the cactus to collect water when rainfall is so rare. The saguaro has a large barrel-shaped stem that allows it to store water. It has no leaves, so it does not lose water to transpiration. One trait that varies from other plants is the long thorns on the stem of the cactus. These thorns keep animals away, so they don't drink the water inside.
Which variation(s) of traits give the saguaro cactus a survival advantage?
The saguaro cactus has several traits that give the plant a survival advantage in the desert. Widespread roots, thorns, and a barrel-shaped stem all help the cactus stay alive in the harsh environment. Deserts have very little water, and the saguaro cactus has adapted to survive these conditions.
The saguaro cactus has several traits that give the plant a survival advantage in the desert. Widespread roots, thorns, and a barrel-shaped stem all help the cactus stay alive in the harsh environment. Deserts have very little water, and the saguaro cactus has adapted to survive these conditions.
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The saguaro cactus has adapted in many ways to the harsh environment it lives in. The roots of a juvenile cactus reach as far as two meters and grow even more extensive as the cactus ages. Widespread roots systems allow the caucus to gather as much moisture as possible from the desert soil. This trait variation enables the cactus to collect water when rainfall is so rare. The saguaro has a large barrel-shaped stem that allows it to store water. It has no leaves, so it does not lose water to transpiration. One trait that varies from other plants is the long thorns on the stem of the cactus. These thorns keep animals away, so they don't drink the water inside.
How do these trait variations give the cactus an advantage in the desert?
The saguaro cactus has adapted in many ways to the harsh environment it lives in. The roots of a juvenile cactus reach as far as two meters and grow even more extensive as the cactus ages. Widespread roots systems allow the caucus to gather as much moisture as possible from the desert soil. This trait variation enables the cactus to collect water when rainfall is so rare. The saguaro has a large barrel-shaped stem that allows it to store water. It has no leaves, so it does not lose water to transpiration. One trait that varies from other plants is the long thorns on the stem of the cactus. These thorns keep animals away, so they don't drink the water inside.
How do these trait variations give the cactus an advantage in the desert?
The saguaro cactus can decrease its water loss, increase water intake, and can store water when needed. The barrel-shaped stem stores water that the widespread roots collect. The cactus has long thorns to keep animals away and prevent them from drinking the cactus' water. These trait variations or adaptations help the plant to survive in the desert.
The saguaro cactus can decrease its water loss, increase water intake, and can store water when needed. The barrel-shaped stem stores water that the widespread roots collect. The cactus has long thorns to keep animals away and prevent them from drinking the cactus' water. These trait variations or adaptations help the plant to survive in the desert.
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Skunks have black, brown, or grey fur with a bright white stripe down the center of their backs. This stripe serves as a warning to anything that might try to attack it. When frightened or threatened, a skunk will spray a stinky, musky liquid at its predator. The skunk will give a warning that it's about to spray by arching its back, raising its tail high in the air, turning its back toward the enemy, and stomping its front feet. The smell stays on the predator and can even get into their eyes. The spray can reach a predator up to 15 feet away!
How does this trait variation give the skunk a better chance at survival?
Skunks have black, brown, or grey fur with a bright white stripe down the center of their backs. This stripe serves as a warning to anything that might try to attack it. When frightened or threatened, a skunk will spray a stinky, musky liquid at its predator. The skunk will give a warning that it's about to spray by arching its back, raising its tail high in the air, turning its back toward the enemy, and stomping its front feet. The smell stays on the predator and can even get into their eyes. The spray can reach a predator up to 15 feet away!
How does this trait variation give the skunk a better chance at survival?
The first trait variation that gives skunks a survival advantage is their dark fur with the bright, white stripe. This stripe serves as a first phase warning for predators who may be tempted to eat it. The second trait variation involves the odorous spray. If the predator is still not deterred, the skunk will raise its tail and threaten to spray the other animal. If the skunk needs to defend itself further, it will cover the predator in a stream of stinky spray. These defense mechanisms are traits the skunk can use to help it survive.
The first trait variation that gives skunks a survival advantage is their dark fur with the bright, white stripe. This stripe serves as a first phase warning for predators who may be tempted to eat it. The second trait variation involves the odorous spray. If the predator is still not deterred, the skunk will raise its tail and threaten to spray the other animal. If the skunk needs to defend itself further, it will cover the predator in a stream of stinky spray. These defense mechanisms are traits the skunk can use to help it survive.
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Skunks have black, brown, or grey fur with a bright white stripe down the center of their backs. This stripe serves as a warning to anything that might try to attack it. When frightened or threatened, a skunk will spray a stinky, musky liquid at its predator. The skunk will give a warning that it's about to spray by arching its back, raising its tail high in the air, turning its back toward the enemy, and stomping its front feet. The smell stays on the predator and can even get into their eyes. The spray can reach a predator up to 15 feet away!
Skunks have unique trait variations that will allow it to survive in ways other animals cannot. A skunks fur pattern, fur color, and spray will enable it to catch more prey than other animals.
Skunks have black, brown, or grey fur with a bright white stripe down the center of their backs. This stripe serves as a warning to anything that might try to attack it. When frightened or threatened, a skunk will spray a stinky, musky liquid at its predator. The skunk will give a warning that it's about to spray by arching its back, raising its tail high in the air, turning its back toward the enemy, and stomping its front feet. The smell stays on the predator and can even get into their eyes. The spray can reach a predator up to 15 feet away!
Skunks have unique trait variations that will allow it to survive in ways other animals cannot. A skunks fur pattern, fur color, and spray will enable it to catch more prey than other animals.
A skunks fur pattern, fur color, and spray will NOT enable it to catch more prey than other animals. These specific variations allow the skunk to defend itself against predators. These are survival traits that the skunk has adapted over many years.
A skunks fur pattern, fur color, and spray will NOT enable it to catch more prey than other animals. These specific variations allow the skunk to defend itself against predators. These are survival traits that the skunk has adapted over many years.
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