Adaptations & Environmental Change

SURVIVAL SUMMIT · SHIFTLING

Adaptations & Environmental Change

Thriver's Den

Learn with Shiftling, then use your clues in the adventure. Pause whenever you need time to read or think.

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Train more: lesson transcript and free resources

Shiftling — Adaptations & Environmental Change Thriver's Den

Hi!

I'm Shiftling.

Welcome to Thriver's Den!

Will you help me investigate adaptations & environmental change?

The Grumblies have mixed up our clues.

Let's check the evidence!

Environmental change can alter which existing features help survival and reproduction.

Populations may change over generations when inherited differences affect success.

When did the root variation exist in our record?

  • A. Only after all shallow roots vanished
  • B. Before the dry period
  • C. Only after every plant wished for it

The answer is B: Before the dry period

Our seed record already contains a range of root depths

before a dry period.

Plants with access to deeper moisture may do better under those conditions.

The variation preceded the challenge.

That clue helps us make sense of this place.

Individuals cannot choose to redesign inherited traits instantly.

Some may move, change behavior, struggle or fail to survive;

outcomes need evidence.

Which feature may help in this stated setting?

  • A. Roots reaching remaining moisture
  • B. A new trait chosen instantly
  • C. The brightest label

The answer is A: Roots reaching remaining moisture

Environmental change can alter which existing features help survival and reproduction.

Populations may change over generations when inherited differences affect success.

Hmm...

how does that connect to our first clue?

Our seed record already contains a range of root depths

before a dry period.

Plants with access to deeper moisture may do better under those conditions.

The variation preceded the challenge.

Do helpful traits guarantee survival?

  • A. Yes
  • B. Only during summer
  • C. No

The answer is C: No

Environmental change can alter which existing features help survival and reproduction.

Populations may change over generations when inherited differences affect success.

Nice investigating!

You've been following the evidence.

Let's bring our clues together before the adventure.

Environmental change can alter which existing features help survival and reproduction.

Individuals cannot choose to redesign inherited traits instantly.

Our seed record already contains a range of root depths

before a dry period.

You're ready to explore Thriver's Den with me!

Choose TRAIN MORE if you'd like another look at the clues.

Choose START ADVENTURE when you're ready.

I'll be right here!

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