Activities

1. What are two characteristics of polar bears that help them survive in the cold arctic?
   
   
2. What are two characteristics of cacti that help them survive in the desert?
   
   
3. Which characteristic allows a shark to survive in the ocean, but not a human?

4. How are the roots of a cactus in the desert and the roots of an oak tree in the forest similar?  How are they different?

5. Describe three characteristics that help a lion survive in the savannas of Africa.  Would these characteristics be helpful or hurtful if the lion were moved to the tundra?  Explain your reasoning.
   
   
6. Polar bears live in the tundra.  Black bears live in the forest.  Write a paragraph to explain why you think these bears are different colors and explain your thinking.

Answer Key/Rubric

1. Examples include, but are not limited to: thick fur, padded feet, claws
   
   
2. Examples include, but are not limited to: shallow roots, holds water
   
   
3. Gills/ability to breathe underwater

4. Similarities include, but are not limited to:

• Both root systems are underground.
• Both root systems absorb water and nutrients from the soil.

       Differences include, but are not limited to:

• Cactus roots are very shallow.  Oak tree roots are deeper underground.
• Oak tree roots must be thick and strong to support the weight of the tree.

5. Acceptable responses might include, but are not limited to:

• Tan fur
• Padded paws
• Large claws
• Large teeth

Student should be able to provide adequate explanations about how the characteristics would help or hurt the lion in the tundra.

6. Acceptable responses might include, but are not limited to:

• The bear’s color may help it blend in with its surroundings.  The polar bear lives in a mostly white environment, whereas the black bear has a darker environment. 
• The colors allow for the bears to be better hunters, as well as avoid predators by blending in with their surroundings.