Activities

1. Define adaptations.
   
   
2. Define extinction.

3. Explain the theory of evolution.
   
   
4. Explain survival of the fittest.
   
   
5. What is the effect of pollution on water-dwelling animals? How can it impact their survival?

6. Assess how certain human activities can impact the survival of species of animals.
   
   
7. Research an endangered species. Assess how environmental or adaptive characteristics have put the species at risk of endangerment.

Answer Key/Rubric

1. Adaptations are behaviors or physical attributes that help animals adjust to their surroundings and thrive.
   
   
2. Extinction is when all members of a species are no longer surviving.
   
   
3. Evolution is the theory that over time, species have inherited traits which help organisms adapt to their environment and survive.
   
   
4. Survival of the fittest is a theory claiming species, because of their given advantages -- are able to adapt to a specific environmental condition better than others, therefore have a better chance of survival.
   
   
5. Water dwelling organisms have the ability to survive in their current conditions, or conditions generally comparable. When water becomes polluted, it affects the stability of the water. If the conditions become too diverse animals may not be able to adapt to the change in the environment and not be able to survive. Even if a species survives, the food they consume may not be able to adapt, restricting their food supply, and potentially their survival.
   
   
6. Acceptable responses may include, but are not limited to:

• Pollution- Human activities such as driving cars can lead to global warming. If the temperature of the land and water changes too quickly, plants and animals may not be able to adapt to their new environment, potentially affecting the survival of the species.
• Deforestation- Removing trees affects the habitats of animals, including the soil in which their vegetation grows and trees in which they may live. If trees are carelessly removed, animals may be competing for a limited amount of food and living space, which could affect the survival of species, especially those less fit.  In addition, since trees control the carbon dioxide in the air, the removal of many trees may eventually increase the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, changing the temperatures on Earth.

7. Acceptable responses must include, but are not limited to:

• Identification of an endangered species.
• Description of how its adaptive characteristics or environmental changes have affected its species chance of survival (this may include lack of food, shelter due to deforestation or climate change, how body features/survival instincts do not match up to those of its predators, etc.)