Class 5 Science - Animal Life - HOTS Questions

Q1: Do you agree with the statement 'Adaptations determine whether an animal will survive in a given environment'? Justify giving some suitable examples.
Ans: All animals adapt to the conditions of their habitats to ensure their survival. For instance, polar bears have thick fur on their bodies to keep warm in icy environments. Similarly, camels are well-suited to hot and dry desert conditions due to their unique adaptations.

Q2: Which of the following adaptations allows camels to survive in harsh desert environments?
(a) Hibernation
(b) Thick fur coat
(c) Hump for storing fat
(d) Sharp claws
Ans: (c)
Camels possess humps that store fat, rather than water as is commonly believed. This important adaptation enables them to endure extended periods without food or water in harsh desert conditions. The fat stored in the hump serves as a reservoir of energy, providing vital sustenance during their travels through arid environments.

Q3: What is the primary function of a kangaroo's tail?
(a) Balancing while jumping
(b) Storing food
(c) Attracting mates
(d) Sensing danger
Ans: (a)
The primary function of a kangaroo's tail is to act as a counterbalance while it jumps. The powerful hind legs propel the kangaroo forward, and the tail helps maintain balance, allowing it to cover long distances efficiently.

Q4: How do African elephants use their large ears to survive in their habitat?
(a) To help them fly
(b) As a cooling system
(c) To communicate with each other
(d) For camouflage
Ans: (b)
African elephants possess large ears that serve a vital function in regulating their body temperature. When the environment becomes hot, they flap their ears to cool down, allowing them to dissipate excess heat. This ability is crucial for their survival in warm habitats.

Q5: Why do snakes flick their tongues in and out constantly?
(a) To scare away predators
(b) To detect vibrations
(c) To clean their teeth
(d) To capture prey
Ans: (b)
Snakes flick their tongues in and out to collect scent particles from the air. This behaviour allows them to gather information about their environment. When they retract their tongues, they insert them into a special organ called the Jacobson's organ. This organ helps them detect vibrations and sense their surroundings, including potential prey or predators.

Q6: Which of the following is a unique adaptation of the Arctic fox for surviving in cold environments?
(a) Sharp claws for climbing
(b) White fur coat for camouflage
(c) Large ears for hearing
(d) Ability to hibernate
Ans: (b)
The Arctic fox possesses a white fur coat that allows it to blend into its snowy surroundings. This camouflage adaptation is crucial for its survival in cold environments, as it makes the fox less visible to predators and enables it to approach prey more effectively.

Q7: How does a chameleon change its color?
(a) By using pigments in its skin
(b) By absorbing light from its environment
(c) By generating electricity
(d) By altering its body shape
Ans: (a)
Chameleons change their colour by using special cells in their skin that contain pigments. By expanding or contracting these cells, they can display different colours. 
This ability serves several purposes:

• Communication: They can signal to others or express their mood.
• Temperature regulation: Changing colour helps them manage their body temperature.
• Camouflage: It allows them to blend in with their surroundings, helping them avoid predators.

Q8: What is the primary purpose of the web spun by a spider?
(a) To create a home
(b) To catch prey
(c) To store food
(d) To lay eggs
Ans: (b)
Spiders spin webs primarily to catch their prey. The intricate structure of the web is specifically designed to trap insects and other small creatures that the spider feeds on. Once the prey is caught, the spider approaches and immobilises it before consuming it.

Q9: Why do butterflies and moths have antennae on their heads?
(a) To help them navigate during migration
(b) To communicate with other insects
(c) To enhance their sense of smell
(d) To assist in carrying their eggs
Ans: (c)
Butterflies and moths have antennae covered in sensory receptors that enable them to detect pheromones released by potential mates. These antennae also help them sense chemicals in their environment. This heightened sense of smell is crucial for finding food sources, identifying mates, and avoiding predators.

Q10: Which adaptation helps penguins survive in their aquatic habitat?
(a) Ability to fly
(b) Streamlined bodies
(c) Sharp claws for gripping ice
(d) Long necks for reaching food
Ans: (b)
Penguins possess streamlined bodies, which significantly reduce water resistance and enable them to swim efficiently through their aquatic habitat. While they are excellent swimmers, it is important to note that penguins are flightless birds that have evolved to thrive in this environment.

Q11: How do honeybees communicate the location of a food source to their hive members?
(a) By dancing
(b) By making high-pitched sounds
(c) By releasing colorful smoke
(d) By using sign language
Ans: (a)
Honeybees use a unique form of communication known as the 'waggle dance' to convey the location of a food source to other members of the hive. This dance involves specific movements that indicate the direction and distance of the food source relative to the sun.