3-LS4-2: Explain how differences in traits help survival.

Official text

Use evidence to construct an explanation for how the variations in characteristics among individuals of the same species may provide advantages in surviving, finding mates, and reproducing.

What it means for your child

Your child explains how differences among animals of the same kind, like color or size, can help some survive, find mates and have young.

Try it at home

1. Hide green and brown paper 'insects' on grass and see which are harder to find.
2. Look at birds at a feeder and notice differences in beak size.
3. Ask, 'Why might a white rabbit be safer from foxes in snow than a brown one?'