1. Mystery Detectives Life Science Review
Copyright © 2002 Glenna R. Shaw and FTC Publishing
All Rights Reserved

2. Get A Clue 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 40 39 38 37 36 35 34 33 32 31 30 29 28 27 26 25 24 23 22 21 60 59 58 57 56 55 54 53 52 51 50 49 48 47 46 45 44 43 42 41 80 79 78 77 76 75 74 73 72 71 70 69 68 67 66 65 64 63 62 61
Select a question and answer it correctly to obtain valuable clues to solve the mystery.

3. Question 1- Which diagram shows how energy moves from one kind of living thing to another?
*A Consumer  decomposers  producers*
* B Producers  decomposers  consumers*
* C Producers  consumers  decomposers*
* D Decomposers  consumers  producers*

4. Question 1- Which diagram shows how energy moves from one kind of living thing to another?
*A Consumer  decomposers  producers*
* B Producers  decomposers  consumers*
* C Producers  consumers  decomposers*
* D Decomposers  consumers  producers*

5. Question 2 – A fishbowl with a goldfish living in it is not an accurate model of the fish’s natural habitat because the fish bowl—
*A only contains one type of animal.*
*B contains water and nutrients for the fish. *
*C has sand at the bottom. *
*D has rocks for the fish to hide under. *

6. Question 2 – A fishbowl with a goldfish living in it is not an accurate model of the fish’s natural habitat because the fish bowl—
*A only contains one type of animal.*
*B contains water and nutrients for the fish. *
*C has sand at the bottom. *
*D has rocks for the fish to hide under. *

7. Question 3 – Removing too many small fish from parts of the ocean where sharks live will most likely cause sharks to—
*A have more babies.*
*B move closer to shore.*
*C start eating plants rather than fish.*
*D change color to hide themselves from predators.*

8. Question 3 – Removing too many small fish from parts of the ocean where sharks live will most likely cause sharks to—
*A have more babies.*
*B move closer to shore.*
*C start eating plants rather than fish.*
*D change color to hide themselves from predators.*

9. Question 4 – Why do many birds build their nests high in trees?
*A Birds lay their eggs in trees.*
*B It is easier for birds to get there.*
*C There is no room for bird nests on the ground.*
*D A nest that is high up helps birds avoid predators.*

10. Question 4 – Why do many birds build their nests high in trees?
*A Birds lay their eggs in trees.*
*B It is easier for birds to get there.*
*C There is no room for bird nests on the ground.*
*D A nest that is high up helps birds avoid predators.*

11. Question 5 – The energy that plants use to live and grow is provided by—
*A the sun.*
*B the rain.*
*C fertilizer.*
*D wind power.*

12. Question 5 – The energy that plants use to live and grow is provided by—
*A the sun.*
*B the rain.*
*C fertilizer.*
*D wind power.*

13. Question 6 – Birds often lay eggs and then cover the eggs by sitting on them because this—
*A protects the eggs from sunlight.*
*B hides the eggs from predators.*
*C keeps them warm to help them hatch.*
*D makes more room for the bird to sleep in the nest.*

14. Question 6 – Birds often lay eggs and then cover the eggs by sitting on them because this—
*A protects the eggs from sunlight.*
*B hides the eggs from predators.*
*C keeps them warm to help them hatch.*
*D makes more room for the bird to sleep in the nest.*

15. Question 7 – A sandhill crane typically lives in a shortgrass prairie or a marsh and eats plants, insects, fruit, and worms. A bird like the sandhill crane would have the hardest time hunting in an environment that is mostly—
*A snowy and cold.*
*B rocky and warm.*
*C sandy and wet.*
*D rainy and hot.*

16. Question 7 – A sandhill crane typically lives in a shortgrass prairie or a marsh and eats plants, insects, fruit, and worms. A bird like the sandhill crane would have the hardest time hunting in an environment that is mostly—
*A snowy and cold.*
*B rocky and warm.*
*C sandy and wet.*
*D rainy and hot.*

17. Question 8 – All of the following are adaptations of plants EXCEPT—
*A sharp spines.*
*B photosynthesis.*
*C fragrant flowers.*
*D specialized root systems.*

18. Question 8 – All of the following are adaptations of plants EXCEPT—
*A sharp spines.*
*B photosynthesis.*
*C fragrant flowers.*
*D specialized root systems.*

19. Question 9 – A camel has large padded feet so that it does not sink in or get burned on the hot sand. These adaptations would be most useful in the—
*A desert.*
*B swamp.*
*C grassland.*
*D mountains.*

20. Question 9 – A camel has large padded feet so that it does not sink in or get burned on the hot sand. These adaptations would be most useful in the—
*A desert.*
*B swamp.*
*C grassland.*
*D mountains.*

21. Question 10 – The elephant has many veins in its ears
Question 10 – The elephant has many veins in its ears. Flapping its ears cools the blood flowing through these veins. This adaptation would be an advantage in a climate that is very—
*A windy.*
*B rainy.*
*C cool.*
*D hot.*

22. Question 10 – The elephant has many veins in its ears
Question 10 – The elephant has many veins in its ears. Flapping its ears cools the blood flowing through these veins. This adaptation would be an advantage in a climate that is very—
*A windy.*
*B rainy.*
*C cool.*
*D hot.*

23. Question 11 – The ability of an animal to blend into its environment is known as—
*A metamorphosis.*
*B hibernation.*
*C migration.*
*D camouflage.*

24. Question 11 – The ability of an animal to blend into its environment is known as—
*A metamorphosis.*
*B hibernation.*
*C migration.*
*D camouflage.*

25. Question 12 – From observing the body structure of a giraffe, what would most likely be it primary source of food?
*A Mice*
*B Fish*
*C Leaves*
*D Gazelles*

26. Question 12 – From observing the body structure of a giraffe, what would most likely be it primary source of food?
*A Mice*
*B Fish*
*C Leaves*
*D Gazelles*

27. Question 13 – A crocodile is often mistaken as a dead log floating in the water. In what type of environment would a crocodile most likely live?
*A Desert*
*B Wetlands*
*C Ocean*
*D Tundra*

28. Question 13 – A crocodile is often mistaken as a dead log floating in the water. In what type of environment would a crocodile most likely live?
*A Desert*
*B Wetlands*
*C Ocean*
*D Tundra*

29. Question 14 –Why is it necessary for female frogs to lay hundreds of eggs in order for its species to survive?
*A All of the eggs hatch and cause overcrowding.*
*B The water is too dirty for many of the frogs to survive.*
*C Many of the tadpoles are eaten before reaching adulthood.*
*D Many female frogs are eaten before they can lay eggs.*

30. Question 14 –Why is it necessary for female frogs to lay hundreds of eggs in order for its species to survive?
*A All of the eggs hatch and cause overcrowding.*
*B The water is too dirty for many of the frogs to survive.*
*C Many of the tadpoles are eaten before reaching adulthood.*
*D Many female frogs are eaten before they can lay eggs.*

31. Question 15 – Many animals have colored skin or fur that helps them blend into their environments. What might happen to a deer that was born an albino (all white) without its natural camouflage?
*A It would be smaller than the other deer.*
*B It would live longer than the other deer.*
*C It would be ignored by all the predators.*
*D It would be easily noticed by predators.*

32. Question 15 – Many animals have colored skin or fur that helps them blend into their environments. What might happen to a deer that was born an albino (all white) without its natural camouflage?
*A It would be smaller than the other deer.*
*B It would live longer than the other deer.*
*C It would be ignored by all the predators.*
*D It would be easily noticed by predators.*

33. Question 16 – What food might a bird with a strong cone-like beak most likely eat?
*A Fish from the sea*
*B Nectar from flowers*
*C Seeds and nuts*
*D Small mammals*

34. Question 16 – What food might a bird with a strong cone-like beak most likely eat?
*A Fish from the sea*
*B Nectar from flowers*
*C Seeds and nuts*
*D Small mammals*

35. Question 17 – Pigeons naturally nest in high places that are protected from wind and rain. If all of the trees in a pigeon’s environment were cut down, where might the pigeon build her nest?
*A Under tall bridges*
*B In a shrub or bush*
*C In tall grasses*
*D On top of a rock pile*

36. Question 17 – Pigeons naturally nest in high places that are protected from wind and rain. If all of the trees in a pigeon’s environment were cut down, where might the pigeon build her nest?
*A Under tall bridges*
*B In a shrub or bush*
*C In tall grasses*
*D On top of a rock pile*

37. Question 18 – Which of the following characteristics would NOT be an advantage in a hot climate?
*A Long tail*
*B Strong beak*
*C Layers of fat*
*D Sharp claws*

38. Question 18 – Which of the following characteristics would NOT be an advantage in a hot climate?
*A Long tail*
*B Strong beak*
*C Layers of fat*
*D Sharp claws*

39. Question 19 – The intertidal zone of the ocean is where the beach and the water meet. When the tide is high, the beach is under water. When the tide is low, the beach is out of the water. The organisms that live on the beach have the ability to do all of the following EXCEPT—
*A survive the crashing waves.*
*B find food for themselves.*
*C live in moist sand.*
*D dry out in the sun.*

40. Question 19 – The intertidal zone of the ocean is where the beach and the water meet. When the tide is high, the beach is under water. When the tide is low, the beach is out of the water. The organisms that live on the beach have the ability to do all of the following EXCEPT—
*A survive the crashing waves.*
*B find food for themselves.*
*C live in moist sand.*
*D dry out in the sun.*

41. Question 20 – Coral reefs serve as home to many salt-water creatures
Question 20 – Coral reefs serve as home to many salt-water creatures. How might disturbing the coral reef affect the underwater ecosystem?
*A The number of fish may increase.*
*B The fish could lose shelter and food supply.*
*C The coral may grow too large for fish to live there.*
*D The coral reef would move to another location.*

42. Question 20 – Coral reefs serve as home to many salt-water creatures
Question 20 – Coral reefs serve as home to many salt-water creatures. How might disturbing the coral reef affect the underwater ecosystem?
*A The number of fish may increase.*
*B The fish could lose shelter and food supply.*
*C The coral may grow too large for fish to live there.*
*D The coral reef would move to another location.*

43. Question 21 – If many frogs were removed from a pond ecosystem, which of the following might happen?
*A All of the fish in the pond would die.*
*B The bug population would increase.*
*C There would be less water in the pond.*
*D The plants in the pond could not survive.*

44. Question 21 – If many frogs were removed from a pond ecosystem, which of the following might happen?
*A All of the fish in the pond would die.*
*B The bug population would increase.*
*C There would be less water in the pond.*
*D The plants in the pond could not survive.*

45. Question 22 – Which of the following organisms is a producer?
*A Water lilies*
*B Dragonflies*
*C Striped bass*
*D Mallard ducks*

46. Question 22 – Which of the following organisms is a producer?
*A Water lilies*
*B Dragonflies*
*C Striped bass*
*D Mallard ducks*

47. Question 23 – Which of the following do BOTH plants and animals need in order to survive?
*A Water*
*B Soil*
*C Oxygen*
*D Carbon dioxide*

48. Question 23 – Which of the following do BOTH plants and animals need in order to survive?
*A Water*
*B Soil*
*C Oxygen*
*D Carbon dioxide*

49. Question 24 – How are plant and animal life cycles similar?
*A Plants and animals both develop in stages.*
*B Each cycle begins with a hard outer shell.*
*C Each type of organisms grows toward sunlight.*
*D Oxygen is required at every level of development.*

50. Question 24 – How are plant and animal life cycles similar?
*A Plants and animals both develop in stages.*
*B Each cycle begins with a hard outer shell.*
*C Each type of organisms grows toward sunlight.*
*D Oxygen is required at every level of development.*

51. Question 25 – Which part of a skunk protects it from predators?
*A Its strong muscles for running away*
*B Its dark color which allows it to hide*
*C Its poisonous bite that kills animals*
D Its ability to shoot out a bad-smelling liquid*

52. Question 25 – Which part of a skunk protects it from predators?
*A Its strong muscles for running away*
*B Its dark color which allows it to hide*
*C Its poisonous bite that kills animals*
D Its ability to shoot out a bad-smelling liquid*

53. Question 26 – The tundra is home to many carnivores
Question 26 – The tundra is home to many carnivores. The plant life on the tundra is often buried beneath snow. Carnivores in the tundra would compete for—
*A space.*
*B meat.*
*C plants.*
*D oxygen.*

54. Question 26 – The tundra is home to many carnivores
Question 26 – The tundra is home to many carnivores. The plant life on the tundra is often buried beneath snow. Carnivores in the tundra would compete for—
*A space.*
*B meat.*
*C plants.*
*D oxygen.*

55. Question 27 – Which of the following statements best describes a biome?
*A A region where animals live without plant life*
*B A region that contains animals that have adapted*
*C A region that has many plants and a few animals*
*D A region with a distinct climate and many plants and animals*

56. Question 27 – Which of the following statements best describes a biome?
*A A region where animals live without plant life*
*B A region that contains animals that have adapted*
*C A region that has many plants and a few animals*
*D A region with a distinct climate and many plants and animals*

57. Question 28 – An oil spill occurring in ocean waters might cause all of the following EXCEPT—
*A the organisms may perish (die).*
*B the organisms may become ill.*
*C the organisms may grow larger.*
*D the organisms may be covered in oil.*

58. Question 28 – An oil spill occurring in ocean waters might cause all of the following EXCEPT—
*A the organisms may perish (die).*
*B the organisms may become ill.*
*C the organisms may grow larger.*
*D the organisms may be covered in oil.*

59. Question 29 – In an aquarium, a pump is used to circulate the water and put oxygen in the water for the fish. What might happen if the pump on the aquarium stopped working?
*A The fish might die of starvation.*
*B The fish might lay many eggs.*
*C The fish might die from lack of oxygen.*
*D The fish might need more food to eat.*

60. Question 29 – In an aquarium, a pump is used to circulate the water and put oxygen in the water for the fish. What might happen if the pump on the aquarium stopped working?
*A The fish might die of starvation.*
*B The fish might lay many eggs.*
*C The fish might die from lack of oxygen.*
*D The fish might need more food to eat.*

61. Question 30 – Many fungi thrive, or grow well, in warm, moist climates
Question 30 – Many fungi thrive, or grow well, in warm, moist climates. In which of the following places would you most likely find fungi growing abundantly?
*A A rocky mountain top*
*B A tropical rain forest*
*C A hot, dry desert*
*D On the ocean floor*

62. Question 30 – Many fungi thrive, or grow well, in warm, moist climates
Question 30 – Many fungi thrive, or grow well, in warm, moist climates. In which of the following places would you most likely find fungi growing abundantly?
*A A rocky mountain top*
*B A tropical rain forest*
*C A hot, dry desert*
*D On the ocean floor*

63. Question 31 – Which example describes an organism taking in nutrients?
*A A dog burying a bone*
*B A girl eating an apple *
*C An insect crawling on a leaf*
*D A boy planting tomatoes in a garden *

64. Question 31 – Which example describes an organism taking in nutrients?
*A A dog burying a bone*
*B A girl eating an apple *
*C An insect crawling on a leaf*
*D A boy planting tomatoes in a garden *