A Small Difference That Helps is a free printable Grade 3 science worksheet on how variation among individuals can give an advantage, aligned to Common Core standard 3-LS4-2. It prints 2 questions with an answer key on its own sheet of paper, in 25 versions that each ask different questions, so no two pupils in the class work from the same page. Print it from the browser or download it as a PDF — no account, no email.
Set 10 of 25 · the same problems every time you open this link.
Set 1 has all 25 in a single PDF. All 25 sets ask different questions.
A Small Difference That Helps
3-LS4-2
NameDate
Draw a line from each variation to the advantage.
1.Draw a line from each one to its match.
A tree that flowers a week earlier
A fish that grows faster than its shoal
A rabbit with slightly longer legs
A moth whose wings match the bark
A.Sets seed before the summer drought
B.Is spotted less often by birds
C.Is too big for smaller predators sooner
D.Escapes a fox more often
2.Draw a line from each one to its match.
A bird with a stronger beak
A flower with a brighter colour
A beetle with a harder shell
A plant with a deeper root
A.Survives being trodden on or pecked
B.Reaches water in a dry summer
C.Cracks seeds others cannot open
D.Attracts more bees, so more seed is set
LessonPrint · 3-LS4-2 · Set 10 · free to copy for classroom use
Answer key — A Small Difference That Helps
Set 10. Prints on its own sheet.
1.1. A tree that flowers a week earlier — A (Sets seed before the summer drought) 2. A fish that grows faster than its shoal — C (Is too big for smaller predators sooner) 3. A rabbit with slightly longer legs — D (Escapes a fox more often) 4. A moth whose wings match the bark — B (Is spotted less often by birds)
2.1. A bird with a stronger beak — C (Cracks seeds others cannot open) 2. A flower with a brighter colour — D (Attracts more bees, so more seed is set) 3. A beetle with a harder shell — A (Survives being trodden on or pecked) 4. A plant with a deeper root — B (Reaches water in a dry summer)
More practice for 3-LS4-2
Explain how differences between individuals help them survive and reproduce.