Bodies built for the ocean

Science · Ocean Life · ages 7-9

Name ______________________ Date ____________

What is it called when an octopus changes color to match its surroundings?
- Camouflage
- Streamlining
- Migration
Which body part keeps a seal warm in icy ocean water?
- Its arms
- Blubber
- Its gills
A dolphin's smooth, torpedo-shaped body is an adaptation that helps it swim fast.
Circle one: True False
A shark needs to swim fast to catch prey before it escapes. Which adaptation helps most?
- Camouflage
- A streamlined body
- Blubber
An octopus needs to catch a fast, slippery fish. Which body part helps it grab and hold on?
- Its blubber
- Suckers
- Its gills
Why does blubber help a whale that lives in freezing Arctic water?
- It helps the whale hide from predators
- It keeps the whale's body warm
- It helps the whale swim faster
A new ocean animal has a streamlined body, thick blubber, and color-changing skin. Which challenge does the streamlined body solve?
- Staying warm
- Gripping slippery prey
- Moving through water quickly
Leo says an octopus's camouflage helps it stay warm in cold water. What is wrong with his idea?
- Camouflage helps it hide from predators, not stay warm
- Camouflage is not a real adaptation
- Octopuses do not live in cold water

Answer key

For grown-ups. Fold this page away before handing over the rest.

Camouflage · Camouflage lets the octopus blend in and hide from animals that want to eat it.
Blubber · Blubber is a thick layer of fat that traps warmth, so the seal stays cozy in cold water.
True · That smooth shape is called being streamlined, and it helps the dolphin slice through water quickly.
A streamlined body · A streamlined, torpedo-like shape cuts through water with less drag, so the shark swims faster.
Suckers · The suckers on its arms grip tight, so slippery prey cannot slide away.
It keeps the whale's body warm · Blubber is a thick fat layer that holds in body heat, so the whale does not get too cold.
Moving through water quickly · A streamlined shape reduces drag, so the animal can move through water fast to catch food or escape.
Camouflage helps it hide from predators, not stay warm · Camouflage solves the challenge of hiding from predators. Blubber is the adaptation that fights cold.