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 21 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 plant with a deeper root
A rabbit with slightly longer legs
A bird with a stronger beak
A flower with a brighter colour
A.Reaches water in a dry summer
B.Cracks seeds others cannot open
C.Attracts more bees, so more seed is set
D.Escapes a fox more often
2.Draw a line from each one to its match.
A fish that grows faster than its shoal
A moth whose wings match the bark
A beetle with a harder shell
A tree that flowers a week earlier
A.Is spotted less often by birds
B.Survives being trodden on or pecked
C.Is too big for smaller predators sooner
D.Sets seed before the summer drought
LessonPrint · 3-LS4-2 · Set 21 · free to copy for classroom use
Answer key — A Small Difference That Helps
Set 21. Prints on its own sheet.
1.1. A plant with a deeper root — A (Reaches water in a dry summer) 2. A rabbit with slightly longer legs — D (Escapes a fox more often) 3. A bird with a stronger beak — B (Cracks seeds others cannot open) 4. A flower with a brighter colour — C (Attracts more bees, so more seed is set)
2.1. A fish that grows faster than its shoal — C (Is too big for smaller predators sooner) 2. A moth whose wings match the bark — A (Is spotted less often by birds) 3. A beetle with a harder shell — B (Survives being trodden on or pecked) 4. A tree that flowers a week earlier — D (Sets seed before the summer drought)
More practice for 3-LS4-2
Explain how differences between individuals help them survive and reproduce.