Adaptations (College Board AP® Environmental Science): Exam Questions

4 mins4 questions
11 mark

Which of the following is an example of a long-term adaptation?

  • A human body increasing red blood cell production at high altitudes

  • A fish increasing its heart rate in response to colder water temperatures

  • Giraffes evolving long necks to access food in tall trees

  • A dog panting to cool down on a hot day

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21 mark

Which of the following is an example of a physiological adaptation?

  • Birds migrating to warmer regions during winter

  • Camels producing concentrated urine to conserve water

  • Arctic foxes having thick fur to insulate against the cold

  • An elephant having large ears to regulate body temperature

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31 mark

Read the following text and answer the question:

The cheetah’s body is built for speed, allowing it to run at incredible speeds to catch prey. It has a lightweight, flexible frame with long, powerful legs that help it sprint. Its large nasal passages allow for increased oxygen intake, supporting its speed. Its body is adapted to regulate its temperature during intense running. Cheetahs also have specialised pads on their feet that reduce friction, enabling them to maintain grip on the ground while running.

Which of the following is the best example of a structural adaptation described in the text?

  • The cheetah’s ability to regulate body temperature during intense running.

  • The cheetah’s long, powerful legs for sprinting.

  • The cheetah’s ability to increase oxygen intake while running.

  • The cheetah’s use of speed to catch prey in the wild.

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41 mark

Read the following text and answer the question:

The Arctic fox is well adapted to survive in cold environments. It has a thick coat of fur that provides insulation against the freezing temperatures. During the winter months, the Arctic fox grows an even thicker coat, and its fur changes color to blend in with the snow, helping it to camouflage. Additionally, the Arctic fox uses its hearing to locate prey beneath the snow and digs in the snow to catch small animals like lemmings.

Which of the following is the best example of a behavioral adaptation described in the text?

  • The Arctic fox’s thick coat of fur for insulation.

  • The Arctic fox’s fur changing color to blend in with the snow.

  • The Arctic fox using its keen sense of hearing to locate prey beneath the snow.

  • The Arctic fox’s sharp claws for digging into the snow.

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