Scott Foresman Grade 2 Science Test

The given characteristics of having a backbone, fur or hair, and drinking milk from its mother are all traits of mammals. Birds have feathers, fish do not have fur or hair, reptiles do not drink milk, and amphibians do not have fur or hair and do not drink milk from their mother. Therefore, the correct answer is mammal.

The given characteristics of having backbones, feathers, wings, and hatching from eggs are specific to birds. While other animals like fish, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians may have some of these traits, only birds possess all of them. Therefore, the correct answer is bird.

Amphibians are animals with backbones that undergo metamorphosis, living part of their life in the water and part on land. They have smooth, wet skin and hatch from eggs. Birds, fish, mammals, and reptiles do not meet all of these criteria, making amphibians the correct answer.

Gills are the body parts in fish that help them get oxygen from the water. Gills are specialized organs located on the sides of the fish's head, protected by a bony cover called the operculum. They are made up of thin, feathery structures called gill filaments, which are rich in blood vessels. As water passes over the gills, oxygen is extracted from the water and absorbed into the bloodstream, while carbon dioxide is released. This efficient respiratory system allows fish to extract oxygen directly from water, enabling them to live and thrive underwater.

Reptiles are animals with backbones, dry skin, scales, and they hatch from eggs. This description fits reptiles perfectly, as they possess all these characteristics. Birds, fish, mammals, and amphibians do not necessarily have all these traits, making reptiles the correct answer.

Camouflage refers to the color or pattern of an organism that allows it to blend in with its surroundings, making it difficult for predators or prey to spot it. This adaptation is particularly useful for plants and animals that need to hide from predators or ambush their prey. By having a color or pattern that matches their environment, they can effectively camouflage themselves and increase their chances of survival.

Fish are animals with backbones that live in water, have scales, fins, and hatch from eggs. This description matches the characteristics of fish, as they are aquatic vertebrates that have adapted to living in water. Fish have scales that protect their bodies, fins that help them swim, and most species reproduce by laying eggs. Therefore, fish is the correct answer based on the given information.

Insects have a three-part body structure consisting of the head, thorax, and abdomen, not the head, thorax, and legs. The legs are attached to the thorax, which is located between the head and abdomen. This body structure is a distinguishing characteristic of insects, along with their six legs, antennae, and lack of bones or backbones.