Habitats and Ecosystems — Answer Key
Part A: Fill in the Blank
Write the missing word or number on each line.
1. A polar bear has thick fur to stay warm in the tundra.
Polar bears have thick fur as an adaptation to survive in extremely cold arctic environments.
2. A cactus has sharp spines instead of leaves to save water.
Cacti have spines instead of broad leaves, which helps them conserve water in the dry desert.
3. Fish have gills that help them breathe underwater.
Gills are special organs that allow fish to take in oxygen from water.
4. A bird of prey uses sharp talons to catch food.
Talons are the sharp claws on an eagle's feet used for catching and gripping prey.
5. Grassland animals often run fast to escape predators.
Camouflage is an adaptation that helps animals blend in with their surroundings to avoid being seen by predators.
6. A adaptation is a body part or behavior that helps an animal survive.
An adaptation is a special feature or behavior that helps an organism survive in its environment.
7. Desert animals are often active at night when it is cooler.
Nocturnal animals like owls are active during the night and sleep during the day.
8. Ocean plants called algae produce much of the world's oxygen.
Algae are ocean producers that use sunlight to make their own food through photosynthesis.
9. Decomposers return nutrients to the soil so new plants can grow.
Decomposers break down dead organisms and return important nutrients to the soil for plants to use.
Part B: Matching
Match each item on the left to the correct answer on the right.
1. Match each item to its correct answer.
thick blubber
→ ocean animal
ocean animal
long roots
→ desert plant
tundra hunter
white fur
→ tundra hunter
desert plant
webbed feet
→ pond bird
pond bird
Thick blubber keeps ocean animals warm, long roots help desert plants reach deep water, white fur helps tundra hunters blend in with snow, and webbed feet help pond birds swim.