Traits That Help You Survive
Aligned to 3-LS4-2 — Next Generation Science Standards.
What this lesson teaches
Small differences between animals can help some survive better than others. A helpful trait makes it easier to find food, hide, or stay safe.
Worked examples
Example 1
A rabbit with fur that matches the snow is harder for a fox to spot, so it is more likely to live and have babies.
Example 2
A male peacock's bright tail does not help him hide, but it helps him attract a mate and have chicks.
Example 3
Traits that help survival become more common over many generations, because the animals that have them leave more offspring.
Practice questions
- Pick an animal and name one trait that helps it find food or escape danger.
- Compare two animals in the same place and decide whose trait gives a bigger advantage.
- Explain how a helpful trait could get passed on to that animal's babies.
Watch the lesson
Every lesson comes with a video taught in English and Spanish — the same video the QR code in the printed workbook opens.
▶ Watch this lessonEn español
Rasgos que ayudan a sobrevivir
Las pequeñas diferencias entre animales pueden ayudar a algunos a sobrevivir mejor que a otros. Un rasgo útil facilita encontrar comida, esconderse o estar a salvo.
Ejemplo 1: Un conejo con pelaje del color de la nieve es más difícil de ver para un zorro, así que tiene más probabilidad de vivir y tener crías.
Ejemplo 2: La cola brillante de un pavo real macho no le ayuda a esconderse, pero sí a atraer pareja y tener crías.
Ejemplo 3: Los rasgos que ayudan a sobrevivir se vuelven más comunes a lo largo de muchas generaciones, porque los animales que los tienen dejan más crías.
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