Life Boot Camp
5.10A #1
Compare the structures and functions of
different species that help them live and
survive such as hooves on prairie animals or
webbed feed in aquatic animals
STAAR 2013 #22; RC 4; Readiness
1. Which two traits best help a cactus conserve water
in the dry conditions of a West Texas desert
ecosystem?
F. Large flowers and sweet fruit
G. Sweet fruit and sharp spines
H. Sharp spines and waxy stems
J. Waxy stems and large flowers
STAAR 2013 #22; RC 4; Readiness
1. Which two traits best help a cactus conserve water
in the dry conditions of a West Texas desert
ecosystem?
F. Large flowers and sweet fruit
G. Sweet fruit and sharp spines
H. Sharp spines and waxy stems
J. Waxy stems and large flowers
2002 TAKS Information Booklet, #13
2. Which group supplies food for other
organisms?
A
B
C
D
The chart shows
some examples of
producers and
consumers.
Producers only
Consumers only
Both producers and consumers
Neither producers nor consumers
2002 TAKS Information Booklet, #13
2. Which group supplies food for other
organisms?
A
B
C
D
The chart shows
some examples of
producers and
consumers.
Producers only
Consumers only
Both producers and consumers
Neither producers nor consumers
2002 TAKS Information Booklet, #14
3. Which group can live without
water?
A
B
C
D
The chart shows
some examples of
producers and
consumers.
Producers only
Consumers only
Both producers and consumers
Neither producers nor consumers
2002 TAKS Information Booklet, #14
3. Which group can live without
water?
A
B
C
D
The chart shows
some examples of
producers and
consumers.
Producers only
Consumers only
Both producers and consumers
Neither producers nor consumers
2002 TAKS Information Booklet, #15
4. Which group changes light energy
into food energy?
A
B
C
D
The chart shows
some examples of
producers and
consumers.
Producers only
Consumers only
Both producers and consumers
Neither producers nor consumers
2002 TAKS Information Booklet, #15
4. Which group changes light energy
into food energy?
A
B
C
D
The chart shows
some examples of
producers and
consumers.
Producers only
Consumers only
Both producers and consumers
Neither producers nor consumers
2002 TAKS Information Booklet, #16
5. Which group depends on other
organisms as a food source?
A Producers only
B Consumers only
C Both producers and consumers
D Neither producers nor
consumers
The chart shows
some examples of
producers and
consumers.
2002 TAKS Information Booklet, #16
5. Which group depends on other
organisms as a food source?
A Producers only
B Consumers only
C Both producers and consumers
D Neither producers nor
consumers
The chart shows
some examples of
producers and
consumers.
TAKS Study Guide, #11
6. Which bird has a beak that is best adapted
for cracking seeds?
TAKS Study Guide, #11
6. Which bird has a beak that is best adapted
for cracking seeds?
2003—#28 (59%)
7. The African baobab tree has a huge trunk that can
store as much as 100 kiloliters of water. This
adaptation would be an advantage in a climate that is
very —
F
G
H
J
cold
dry
windy
sunny
2003—#28 (59%)
7. The African baobab tree has a huge trunk that can
store as much as 100 kiloliters of water. This
adaptation would be an advantage in a climate that is
very —
F
G
H
J
cold
dry
windy
sunny
2003—#10 (96%)
8. Which part of a jackrabbit most helps it escape predators?
F Long legs
G Thick fur
H Short tail
J Small head
2003—#10 (96%)
8. Which part of a jackrabbit most helps it escape predators?
F Long legs
G Thick fur
H Short tail
J Small head
2004—#11 (77%)
9. Texas has more than 5,000 kilometers of shoreline along the Gulf of Mexico. Many
families are able to visit the coast to have fun or just to relax. Many people have jobs
and homes on or near the coast. As seagulls fly over the water, they sometimes dive
into the water to catch prey. Which of these senses is useful to seagulls that feed in
this manner?
A Sight
B Smell
C Hearing
D Touch
2004—#11 (77%)
9. Texas has more than 5,000 kilometers of shoreline along the Gulf of Mexico. Many
families are able to visit the coast to have fun or just to relax. Many people have jobs
and homes on or near the coast. As seagulls fly over the water, they sometimes dive
into the water to catch prey. Which of these senses is useful to seagulls that feed in
this manner?
A Sight
B Smell
C Hearing
D Touch
2004—#26 (77%)
10. Brightly colored flowers are most often
pollinated by —
F
G
H
J
wind
mammals
rainfall
insects
2004—#26 (77%)
10. Brightly colored flowers are most often
pollinated by —
F
G
H
J
wind
mammals
rainfall
insects
2006—#16 (53%)
11. The African clawed frog has many adaptations that help it
survive. Which of these adaptations helps it survive changes in
its environment?
F
G
H
J
The ability to see color
The ability to detect waves
The ability to burrow
The ability to eat
2006—#16 (53%)
11. The African clawed frog has many adaptations that help it
survive. Which of these adaptations helps it survive changes in
its environment?
F
G
H
J
The ability to see color
The ability to detect waves
The ability to burrow
The ability to eat
2006—#39 (90%)
12. All of the characteristics listed above are useful for gathering food
EXCEPT —
A
B
C
D
1
2
3
4
2006—#39 (90%)
12. All of the characteristics listed above are useful for gathering food
EXCEPT —
A
B
C
D
1
2
3
4
2008 Release Items, Objective 2, #1
13. Horses are herbivores. Their teeth crush and grind plants.
Which picture best represents the lower teeth of a horse?
2008 Release Items, Objective 2, #1
13. Horses are herbivores. Their teeth crush and grind plants.
Which picture best represents the lower teeth of a horse?
2009—#33 (88%)
14. Which of the following animal features
most helps the animal move around in its
habitat?
A
B
C
D
A bird’s sharp beak
A cow’s tail
A sea turtle’s flippers
A black bear’s fur
2009—#33 (88%)
14. Which of the following animal features
most helps the animal move around in its
habitat?
A
B
C
D
A bird’s sharp beak
A cow’s tail
A sea turtle’s flippers
A black bear’s fur
15. Plants produce their own food. In which
part of the plant is most of its food produced?
A
B
C
D
Leaf
Fruit
Stem
Root
15. Plants produce their own food. In which
part of the plant is most of its food produced?
A
B
C
D
Leaf
Fruit
Stem
Root
16. Which of the following best explains how
stems transport water to other parts of the
plant?
A
B
C
D
Through a chemical called chlorophyll
By using photosynthesis
Through a system of tubes
By converting water to food
16. Which of the following best explains how
stems transport water to other parts of the
plant?
A
B
C
D
Through a chemical called chlorophyll
By using photosynthesis
Through a system of tubes
By converting water to food
17. The two structures most plants use to
gather nutrients and energy to live are—
A
B
C
D
Roots and leaves
Roots and flowers
Stems and roots
Stems and leaves
17. The two structures most plants use to
gather nutrients and energy to live are—
A
B
C
D
Roots and leaves
Roots and flowers
Stems and roots
Stems and leaves
The diagram below shows the seed of a maple tree.
18. How is this seed MOST LIKELY dispersed (spread)?
A
B
C
D
It is carried by the wind.
It floats in moving water.
It passes through an animal’s digestive system.
It sticks to an animal’s fur.
The diagram below shows the seed of a maple tree.
18. How is this seed MOST LIKELY dispersed (spread)?
A
B
C
D
It is carried by the wind.
It floats in moving water.
It passes through an animal’s digestive system.
It sticks to an animal’s fur.
19. What do plants take in through their root
systems?
F
G
H
J
Light
Water
Carbon dioxide
Oxygen
19. What do plants take in through their root
systems?
F
G
H
J
Light
Water
Carbon dioxide
Oxygen
20. What is the main function of a plant’s
roots?
A
B
C
D
To protect the plant from consumers
To absorb water and minerals from soil
To remove waste products from its stem
To take in food for the leaves of the plant
20. What is the main function of a plant’s
roots?
A
B
C
D
To protect the plant from consumers
To absorb water and minerals from soil
To remove waste products from its stem
To take in food for the leaves of the plant
21. The different parts of green plants work together to produce their own
food from materials in the environment. How do plant parts work together
to produce the food necessary for growth and survival?
A Leaves absorb sunlight and minerals from the air. Roots absorb water
and use nutrients from the soil to make food.
B Leaves absorb carbon dioxide from the air and use sunlight to make food.
Roots absorb water and nutrients from the soil.
C Leaves absorb oxygen and carbon dioxide from the air. Roots absorb
water and use sunlight to make food.
D Leaves use sunlight to convert oxygen and nutrients into food. Roots
absorb water and nutrients from the soil.
21. The different parts of green plants work together to produce their own
food from materials in the environment. How do plant parts work together
to produce the food necessary for growth and survival?
A Leaves absorb sunlight and minerals from the air. Roots absorb water
and use nutrients from the soil to make food.
B Leaves absorb carbon dioxide from the air and use sunlight to make food.
Roots absorb water and nutrients from the soil.
C Leaves absorb oxygen and carbon dioxide from the air. Roots absorb
water and use sunlight to make food.
D Leaves use sunlight to convert oxygen and nutrients into food. Roots
absorb water and nutrients from the soil.
22. A girl found the skull of an animal. She did not know what
the animal was, but she was sure that it preyed on other
animals for its food. Which clue led to her conclusion?
A
B
C
D
The eye sockets faced sideways.
The skull was much longer than it was wide.
There was a projecting ridge on the front of the skull.
Four of the teeth were long and pointed.
22. A girl found the skull of an animal. She did not know what
the animal was, but she was sure that it preyed on other
animals for its food. Which clue led to her conclusion?
A
B
C
D
The eye sockets faced sideways.
The skull was much longer than it was wide.
There was a projecting ridge on the front of the skull.
Four of the teeth were long and pointed.
23. Why would fewer bees come to a plant if the
petals of its flowers were removed?
A There would not be any nectar in the flowers.
B The bees would not be attracted to the flowers.
C The bees would not have a spot to land while
sipping nectar.
D The bees would not be able to leave their scent on
the flowers.
23. Why would fewer bees come to a plant if the
petals of its flowers were removed?
A There would not be any nectar in the flowers.
B The bees would not be attracted to the flowers.
C The bees would not have a spot to land while
sipping nectar.
D The bees would not be able to leave their scent on
the flowers.
24. Peach trees have sweet-smelling blossoms and
produce rich fruit. What is the main reason peach
blossoms have a sweet smell?
A
B
C
D
To attract bees for pollinations
To create flower arrangements
To protect the tree from disease
To feed migratory birds
24. Peach trees have sweet-smelling blossoms and
produce rich fruit. What is the main reason peach
blossoms have a sweet smell?
A
B
C
D
To attract bees for pollinations
To create flower arrangements
To protect the tree from disease
To feed migratory birds
25. A niche is the role played by an organism in the natural
world. Some animals like the red squirrel pictured above are
spreaders. They gather and store seeds, acorns and berries.
Which statement below best describes the niche of a red
squirrel?
A
B
C
D
A red squirrel lives in trees in deciduous forests.
A squirrel’s body serves as a host to ticks and fleas.
A squirrel scatters seeds that can grow to new plants.
A red squirrel helps control the insect population.
25. A niche is the role played by an organism in the natural
world. Some animals like the red squirrel pictured above are
spreaders. They gather and store seeds, acorns and berries.
Which statement below best describes the niche of a red
squirrel?
A
B
C
D
A red squirrel lives in trees in deciduous forests.
A squirrel’s body serves as a host to ticks and fleas.
A squirrel scatters seeds that can grow to new plants.
A red squirrel helps control the insect population.
26. The Northern green tree frogs are common
in many parts of the United States. The green
color helps the frog stay alive because it helps
the frog—
A
B
C
D
find the type of food it needs
hide from its predators
look like other frogs
take in sunlight to make food
26. The Northern green tree frogs are common
in many parts of the United States. The green
color helps the frog stay alive because it helps
the frog—
A
B
C
D
find the type of food it needs
hide from its predators
look like other frogs
take in sunlight to make food
27. A chameleon’s ability to change its color to
blend in with its surrounding is an adaptation
called—
A
B
C
D
selection
symmetry
evolution
camouflage
27. A chameleon’s ability to change its color to
blend in with its surrounding is an adaptation
called—
A
B
C
D
selection
symmetry
evolution
camouflage
28. Insects that live on the leaves of green plants
can best avoid being eaten by having which of
the following adaptations?
A
B
C
D
Powerful jaws
Green coloration
Egg-laying ability
External skeleton
28. Insects that live on the leaves of green plants
can best avoid being eaten by having which of
the following adaptations?
A
B
C
D
Powerful jaws
Green coloration
Egg-laying ability
External skeleton
29. A common grass is pictured
to the right. Which labeled
parts of the grass absorb most
of the minerals needed by this
plant?
A
B
C
D
Flowers
Leaves
Stems
Roots
29. A common grass is pictured
to the right. Which labeled
parts of the grass absorb most
of the minerals needed by this
plant?
A
B
C
D
Flowers
Leaves
Stems
Roots
30. Adaptations occur so that living things can
better survive in their environment. About how
long does it take physical adaptations to occur?
A
B
C
D
Very quickly over the course of a year
Rather quickly over a few years time
Rather slowly over about fifty years
Very slowly, taking generations to occur
30. Adaptations occur so that living things can
better survive in their environment. About how
long does it take physical adaptations to occur?
A
B
C
D
Very quickly over the course of a year
Rather quickly over a few years time
Rather slowly over about fifty years
Very slowly, taking generations to occur
31. In a healthy ecosystem, many different
species of animals may share the same habitat
because they each have a different niche. An
animal’s niche is best described as —
A
B
C
D
the role it plays in its habitat
where it is located
its appearance
its ability to reproduce
31. In a healthy ecosystem, many different
species of animals may share the same habitat
because they each have a different niche. An
animal’s niche is best described as —
A
B
C
D
the role it plays in its habitat
where it is located
its appearance
its ability to reproduce
32. What is the main function of the leaves of a
plant?
A
B
C
D
To catch water for the plant
To make food for the plant
To carry water through the plant
To keep the plant shaded from the sun
32. What is the main function of the leaves of a
plant?
A
B
C
D
To catch water for the plant
To make food for the plant
To carry water through the plant
To keep the plant shaded from the sun
33. Study the picture of the hawk shown above.
Which of the following body parts BEST helps the
hawk to meet its basic needs?
A
B
C
D
Its sharp claws for grabbing prey
It dark, outer covering of feathers
Its long tail feathers for better swimming
Its strong back for carrying heavy prey
33. Study the picture of the hawk shown above.
Which of the following body parts BEST helps the
hawk to meet its basic needs?
A
B
C
D
Its sharp claws for grabbing prey
It dark, outer covering of feathers
Its long tail feathers for better swimming
Its strong back for carrying heavy prey
34. Which of the following BEST explains the differences in
appearance of these bird beaks? The birds’ beaks have
adapted—
A
B
C
D
to eat the same types of food
to eat different types of food
to help them fly longer distances
to help them communicate better
34. Which of the following BEST explains the differences in
appearance of these bird beaks? The birds’ beaks have
adapted—
A
B
C
D
to eat the same types of food
to eat different types of food
to help them fly longer distances
to help them communicate better
35. Which of the following is an example of camouflage?
A The stripes on a zebra that make it difficult to be seen in
shady places
B A young kangaroo growing and developing in its mother’s
pouch
C The camel’s long eyelashes, which keep the sun out of its
eyes
D The long sharp quills that cover a porcupine’s body
35. Which of the following is an example of camouflage?
A The stripes on a zebra that make it difficult to be seen in
shady places
B A young kangaroo growing and developing in its mother’s
pouch
C The camel’s long eyelashes, which keep the sun out of its
eyes
D The long sharp quills that cover a porcupine’s body
36. The feet of birds are adapted for getting food and to allow
them to move around when not in flight. The feet of climbing
birds have long, sharp-clawed toes facing forward and
backward. Which bird foot pictured below probably belongs to
a climbing bird?
36. The feet of birds are adapted for getting food and to allow
them to move around when not in flight. The feet of climbing
birds have long, sharp-clawed toes facing forward and
backward. Which bird foot pictured below probably belongs to
a climbing bird?
37. The Osprey, also known as the Fish Hawk,
lives in Texas marshes and swamps. Fish are
their favorite food. What physical characteristic
of an Osprey would help in catching fish?
A
B
C
D
Small eyes
Brown feathers
Large wings
Long talons
37. The Osprey, also known as the Fish Hawk,
lives in Texas marshes and swamps. Fish are
their favorite food. What physical characteristic
of an Osprey would help in catching fish?
A
B
C
D
Small eyes
Brown feathers
Large wings
Long talons
38. Which of the following is an external
characteristic shared by a tiger and a zebra?
A
B
C
D
Long noses
Camouflaging stripes
Small, rounded ears
Sharp talons
38. Which of the following is an external
characteristic shared by a tiger and a zebra?
A
B
C
D
Long noses
Camouflaging stripes
Small, rounded ears
Sharp talons
39. Which of the following external
characteristics of a rose bush keep it from being
harmed by consumers in its environment?
A
B
C
D
A leaf
A thorn
A flower
A seed
39. Which of the following external
characteristics of a rose bush keep it from being
harmed by consumers in its environment?
A
B
C
D
A leaf
A thorn
A flower
A seed
40. Look at the beaver tail in the picture above. This tail is adapted to help
the beaver move swiftly through the water when swimming. Which of the
following foot structures MOST LIKELY belongs to the beaver?
40. Look at the beaver tail in the picture above. This tail is adapted to help
the beaver move swiftly through the water when swimming. Which of the
following foot structures MOST LIKELY belongs to the beaver?
41. The eyespots on this butterfly’s wings allow it to –
A
B
C
D
stay warm in the winter
locate nectar-filled flowers
fly away from predators
frighten or confuse enemies
41. The eyespots on this butterfly’s wings allow it to –
A
B
C
D
stay warm in the winter
locate nectar-filled flowers
fly away from predators
frighten or confuse enemies
42. The purpose of thorns on a plant is most
likely to—
A
B
C
D
help the plant to get moisture
anchor the plant in the ground
protect the plant from harm
support the stems and branches
42. The purpose of thorns on a plant is most
likely to—
A
B
C
D
help the plant to get moisture
anchor the plant in the ground
protect the plant from harm
support the stems and branches
43. Most moths have mouthparts that allow them to
suck the nectar from plants. Which of the following is
MOST similar to the mouthparts of a moth?
43. Most moths have mouthparts that allow them to
suck the nectar from plants. Which of the following is
MOST similar to the mouthparts of a moth?
44. From the shape of its beak and the length of its legs, this bird is
best adapted for feeding on which of the following?
A
B
C
D
Insects that feed on plants
Small fish in shallow water
Nuts from riverside trees and plants
Birds in ground nests
44. From the shape of its beak and the length of its legs, this bird is
best adapted for feeding on which of the following?
A
B
C
D
Insects that feed on plants
Small fish in shallow water
Nuts from riverside trees and plants
Birds in ground nests
45. What is the main function of the spines on the
prickly cactus shown below?
A
B
C
D
To make food
To provide shade
To attract insects
To protect the plant
45. What is the main function of the spines on the
prickly cactus shown below?
A
B
C
D
To make food
To provide shade
To attract insects
To protect the plant
46. Which part of a sunflower plant functions as
the main pathway through which water and
nutrients flow to all parts of the plant?
A
B
C
D
The flowers
The leaves
The stem
The roots
46. Which part of a sunflower plant functions as
the main pathway through which water and
nutrients flow to all parts of the plant?
A
B
C
D
The flowers
The leaves
The stem
The roots
47. Birds that prey on other birds usually have short, curved beaks
and strong feet with sharp talons.
Which of the birds pictured above MOST LIKELY preys on other birds?
A
B
C
D
House sparrow
Blue jay
Mourning dove
Sharp-shinned hawk
47. Birds that prey on other birds usually have short, curved beaks
and strong feet with sharp talons.
Which of the birds pictured above MOST LIKELY preys on other birds?
A
B
C
D
House sparrow
Blue jay
Mourning dove
Sharp-shinned hawk
48. Brightly colored flowers are most often
pollinated by —
A
B
C
D
wind
mammals
rainfall
insects
48. Brightly colored flowers are most often
pollinated by —
A
B
C
D
wind
mammals
rainfall
insects
49. Which seed below has structures that allow animals to
transport the seed on their fur?
49. Which seed below has structures that allow animals to
transport the seed on their fur?
50. What is the main function of the plant structure
labeled A?
A
B
C
D
Reproduction
Release of minerals
Absorption of water
Support
50. What is the main function of the plant structure
labeled A?
A
B
C
D
Reproduction
Release of minerals
Absorption of water
Support