Desert Survivors Modified Worksheet
Science • Animal Adaptations
Desert Survivors
Name:
Date:
Directions (Step-by-Step):
- Read the two short desert facts below.
- Look at the word bank to learn new words.
- Circle the best answer for Questions 1 and 2.
Word Bank • Key Words
Adaptation
A special body part or habit that helps an animal live.
Nocturnal
Active during the cool night instead of the hot day.
Burrow
A hole or tunnel in the ground used for shelter.
1
The Fennec Fox
The desert is very hot and dry. The fennec fox has giant ears. These large ears release body heat to keep the fox cool. The fox stays underground in a cool burrow during the hot daytime. At night, it comes out to hunt food.
2
The Kangaroo Rat
Finding water in the desert is hard. The tiny kangaroo rat never needs to drink liquid water. It gets all the water it needs from dry seeds. It sleeps underground all day to avoid the burning sun.
Check Your Understanding
1. Why does the fennec fox have giant ears?
A To release heat and stay cool
B To fly above the hot sand
C To carry extra food home
2. How does the kangaroo rat get water?
A By drinking from rivers daily
B From the dry seeds it eats
C By licking rain off rocks
Desert Survivors • Page 1 of 2 Turn over for writing practice →
Part 2 • Written Responses
Explain Your Thinking
Use Your Sentence Starters
Write in complete sentences
Directions (Step-by-Step):
- Read each question carefully.
- Pick one starter sentence to begin your answer.
- Finish the sentence on the blank writing lines below.
1
How does sleeping during the day help desert animals survive?
Think about the sun and the desert temperature.
Choose a Sentence Starter:
• "Sleeping during the day helps because..."
• "Desert animals stay underground to..."
2
Which adaptation do you think is most helpful: big ears or eating seeds? Why?
Choose one animal and give one reason from the text.
Choose a Sentence Starter:
• "I think the most helpful adaptation is..."
• "This adaptation is helpful because..."
Writer's Self-Check:
Used a starter Capital letter End mark (. ? !)
Desert Survivors • Page 2 of 2 Great job! Turn in your paper to your teacher.
