The Galapagos Islands are a chain of islands located off of the coast of Ecuador. The islands experience both dry and wet seasons with mild temperatures. Ocassionaly, the islands experience periods of low rainfall, known as drought. As a result, vegetation on the islands tends to be limited and grows low to the ground.
Despite occasional drought, many types of tortoises in the Galapagos region still survive. Refer to the chart. Which of the following characteristics is most likely giving the tortoises the highest probability of survival during and after periods of drought?
The Galapagos Islands are a chain of islands located off of the coast of Ecuador. The islands experience both dry and wet seasons with mild temperatures. Ocassionaly, the islands experience periods of low rainfall, known as drought. As a result, vegetation on the islands tends to be limited and grows low to the ground.
Despite occasional drought, many types of tortoises in the Galapagos region still survive. Refer to the chart. Which of the following characteristics is most likely giving the tortoises the highest probability of survival during and after periods of drought?
A diet of low lying grasses and shrubs
A tough, protective outer shell
A variety of limb lengths
A small overall body size
A tough, protective outer shell
Tortoises with a tough, protective outer shell would likely have the highest probability of survival during and after periods of drought. The shell provides protection from predators and harsh environmental conditions, allowing the tortoises to conserve moisture and withstand the challenges of limited food and water availability. Additionally, the shell helps to regulate the tortoise's body temperature, which is important in maintaining their overall health during periods of drought.
Students studying the tortoises each picked one that they believe has the best chance at surviving a severe drought. Which of the following claims backed by evidence do you think makes the strongest case?
Students studying the tortoises each picked one that they believe has the best chance at surviving a severe drought. Which of the following claims backed by evidence do you think makes the strongest case?
Intermediate; it ihas moderate sized limbs and can travel to further to find grass when food becomes limited.
Domed; it's rounded shell provides more protection from the hot sun and keeps it cooler during the dry season.
All of the tortoises have the same chance of survival because they all live in the galapagos and have some adaptations for drought.
Saddle-backed; once all of the low-lying grasses and shrubs are gone it can raise its neck to reach food higher up, it can also survive in a dry environment.
Saddle-backed; once all of the low-lying grasses and shrubs are gone it can raise its neck to reach food higher up, it can also survive in a dry environment.
This claim makes the strongest case because it provides specific evidence of how the saddle-backed tortoise's adaptation allows it to survive during a severe drought. The ability to raise its neck to reach higher food sources when low-lying vegetation is scarce is a clear advantage in a dry environment. Additionally, the claim highlights the tortoise's ability to survive in a dry environment, emphasizing its adaptation for drought conditions.