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 20 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 moth whose wings match the bark
A rabbit with slightly longer legs
A bird with a stronger beak
A fish that grows faster than its shoal
A.Escapes a fox more often
B.Is spotted less often by birds
C.Cracks seeds others cannot open
D.Is too big for smaller predators sooner
2.Draw a line from each one to its match.
A beetle with a harder shell
A plant with a deeper root
A tree that flowers a week earlier
A flower with a brighter colour
A.Survives being trodden on or pecked
B.Reaches water in a dry summer
C.Attracts more bees, so more seed is set
D.Sets seed before the summer drought
LessonPrint · 3-LS4-2 · Set 20 · free to copy for classroom use
Answer key — A Small Difference That Helps
Set 20. Prints on its own sheet.
1.1. A moth whose wings match the bark — B (Is spotted less often by birds) 2. A rabbit with slightly longer legs — A (Escapes a fox more often) 3. A bird with a stronger beak — C (Cracks seeds others cannot open) 4. A fish that grows faster than its shoal — D (Is too big for smaller predators sooner)
2.1. A beetle with a harder shell — A (Survives being trodden on or pecked) 2. A plant with a deeper root — B (Reaches water in a dry summer) 3. A tree that flowers a week earlier — D (Sets seed before the summer drought) 4. A flower with a brighter colour — C (Attracts more bees, so more seed is set)
More practice for 3-LS4-2
Explain how differences between individuals help them survive and reproduce.