Elementary School Science Quiz: Trace Energy From Plants To Animals
20 questions · exam conditions
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Trace Energy From Plants To AnimalsQuestion 1 of 20

The diagram shows Sun → Grass → Rabbit. How does the rabbit get energy?

Question graphic
by drinking water from the grass
by eating grass with stored sun energy
by breathing air to make energy
by absorbing sunlight like a plant
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Elementary School Science Quiz

Elementary School Science Quiz: Trace Energy From Plants To Animals

Practice Trace Energy From Plants To Animals in Elementary School Science with focused quiz questions that help you check what you know, review explanations, and build confidence with test-style prompts.

What this quiz covers

This quiz focuses on Trace Energy From Plants To Animals, giving you a quick way to practice the rules, question types, and explanations that matter most for Elementary School Science.

How to use this quiz

Try each quiz question before looking at the correct answer. Use the explanations to review missed ideas, then come back to similar questions until the pattern feels familiar.

All questions

Question 1

The diagram shows Sun → Grass → Rabbit. How does the rabbit get energy?

  1. by drinking water from the grass
  2. by eating grass with stored sun energy (correct answer)
  3. by breathing air to make energy
  4. by absorbing sunlight like a plant
Explanation: This question tests the ability to use models to trace energy transfer from plants to animals (NGSS 5-PS3-1). Students must understand that animals get energy by eating plants and that energy transfers through the food chain. Animals cannot make their own food using sunlight the way plants do—animals don't have chlorophyll and cannot photosynthesize. Instead, animals must get energy by eating food. When an animal eats a plant, the energy stored in the plant's food (the sugars and starches the plant made using sunlight) transfers to the animal's body. For example, when a rabbit eats grass, the energy stored in the grass moves into the rabbit's body, where it can be used for hopping, staying warm, and growing. The rabbit doesn't get energy from sunlight directly, from the air it breathes, or from the water it drinks—the energy comes from the plant food it eats. This is why the arrow in food chain diagrams points from the plant to the animal: energy flows from plant to animal through eating. Choice B is correct because it accurately describes that the animal gets energy by eating the plant (or consuming plant food). This demonstrates understanding that eating is the mechanism by which energy transfers from plants to animals, and that the energy stored in plant tissues moves into the animal's body when the plant is consumed. Choice D fails because it claims the animal gets energy directly from the sun, when animals cannot photosynthesize and must eat plants to get the sun's energy. The only way for animals to get the energy originally captured by plants from the sun is to eat the plants. To help students understand energy transfer from plants to animals: Create simple food chain diagrams with arrows. Emphasize: 'The arrow means energy flows this way.' Practice: Sun → Grass → Rabbit. 'Where does the rabbit get energy? [By eating grass] Can the rabbit get energy directly from the sun? [No, only plants can] What happens when the rabbit eats grass? [Energy in the grass transfers to the rabbit].' Use the phrase 'energy transfers through eating' repeatedly. Compare: Plants make their own food using sunlight (producers). Animals must eat plants or other animals to get energy (consumers). Draw a clear distinction: sunlight → plants only. Animals must eat. Show multiple examples: Cow eats grass, caterpillar eats leaves, deer eats plants, person eats vegetables—in all cases, energy transfers from plant to animal through eating. Watch for: Students who think animals can absorb sunlight directly, or who confuse things necessary for life (water, air, shelter) with energy sources. Reinforce: Water and air are needed but don't provide energy. Only food provides energy. For animals, food comes from eating plants or other animals.

Question 2

The model Sun → Leaves → Caterpillar shows the caterpillar gets energy by doing what?

  1. by eating leaves with stored energy (correct answer)
  2. by drinking water for energy
  3. by absorbing sunlight like a plant
  4. by breathing air to make energy
Explanation: This question tests the ability to use models to trace energy transfer from plants to animals (NGSS 5-PS3-1). Students must understand that animals get energy by eating plants and that energy transfers through the food chain. Caterpillars cannot photosynthesize like plants do—they lack chlorophyll and must get energy by eating. When a caterpillar eats leaves, the energy stored in the leaves (from photosynthesis) transfers to the caterpillar's body for crawling, growing, and eventually transforming into a butterfly. Choice A is correct because it accurately describes that the caterpillar gets energy by eating leaves with stored energy, showing understanding of energy transfer through consumption. Choices B, C, and D fail because drinking water, absorbing sunlight, and breathing air are necessary for life but don't provide energy—only eating food transfers energy from plants to animals. To help students: Use the model Sun → Leaves → Caterpillar with arrows. Emphasize 'The arrow means energy flows this way through eating.' Practice identifying what each organism eats and trace energy back to the sun. Watch for students who think animals can get energy directly from sun, water, or air. Reinforce: Only food provides energy to animals.

Question 3

How does energy flow from a plant to a deer in this model?

  1. by deer eating plant parts for energy (correct answer)
  2. by deer absorbing sunlight like plants
  3. by deer getting energy from warm air
  4. by deer getting energy from soil minerals
Explanation: This question tests the ability to use models to trace energy transfer from plants to animals (NGSS 5-PS3-1). Students must understand that animals get energy by eating plants and that energy transfers through the food chain. Energy flows from plants to deer through one specific mechanism: eating. When deer eat plant parts (leaves, stems, berries), the energy that plants stored from sunlight transfers into the deer's body. This energy can then be used for running, growing, and staying warm. Choice A is correct because it accurately describes that energy flows by deer eating plant parts for energy, showing clear understanding of the eating mechanism for energy transfer. Choices B, C, and D fail because deer cannot absorb sunlight like plants (they lack chlorophyll for photosynthesis), warm air doesn't provide energy (temperature and energy are different), and soil minerals provide nutrients but not energy—only food provides energy. To help students understand energy flow: Draw arrows showing Sun → Plants → Deer and explain 'Energy flows through eating.' Ask: 'How does plant energy get into the deer? [The deer eats the plant].' Use multiple examples: deer eat leaves, rabbits eat grass, caterpillars eat leaves—in all cases, energy transfers through eating. Watch for students who confuse things needed for life (minerals, warmth, water) with energy sources.

Question 4

In the model, what is the source of energy for a goat that eats grass?

  1. by eating grass that stored sunlight (correct answer)
  2. by absorbing sunlight like a plant
  3. by getting energy from the soil
  4. by producing energy inside its body
Explanation: This question tests the ability to use models to trace energy transfer from plants to animals (NGSS 5-PS3-1). Students must understand that animals get energy by eating plants and that energy transfers through the food chain. Goats, like all animals, cannot make their own food or directly use sunlight for energy. The source of a goat's energy is the grass it eats, which contains energy that the grass originally captured from sunlight through photosynthesis. When the goat eats grass, all that stored solar energy transfers to the goat's body for climbing, producing milk, and staying warm. Choice A is correct because it accurately identifies that the goat's energy source is eating grass that stored sunlight, showing complete understanding of the energy pathway from sun to plant to animal. Choices B, C, and D fail because goats cannot absorb sunlight directly (lacking chlorophyll), soil provides minerals but not energy, and animals cannot produce energy inside their bodies—they must consume it. To help students identify energy sources: Ask 'What is the goat's food? [Grass] Where did the grass get its energy? [Sunlight] So where does the goat's energy originally come from? [Sunlight, through the grass].' Use the phrase 'energy source' and trace it back through the food chain. Reinforce that for all animals, the energy source is food, and that food's energy came from the sun.

Question 5

The arrow from grass to rabbit shows energy transfer happens when the rabbit does what?

  1. by eating grass with stored energy (correct answer)
  2. by breathing air to make energy
  3. by absorbing sunlight like a plant
  4. by drinking water for energy
Explanation: This question tests the ability to use models to trace energy transfer from plants to animals (NGSS 5-PS3-1). Students must understand that animals get energy by eating plants and that energy transfers through the food chain. In food chain diagrams, arrows show the direction of energy flow, and energy transfers when one organism eats another. The arrow from grass to rabbit specifically shows that energy moves from grass into the rabbit when the rabbit eats the grass. This eating action is the key mechanism for energy transfer between plants and animals. Choice A is correct because it accurately identifies that the arrow shows energy transfer happens when the rabbit eats grass with stored energy, demonstrating understanding of what arrows represent in food chains. Choices B, C, and D fail because breathing provides oxygen but not energy, rabbits cannot absorb sunlight like plants do, and water provides hydration but not energy—the arrow specifically represents energy transfer through eating. To help students read food chain diagrams: Always explain 'Arrows show energy flow through eating.' Practice drawing arrows and asking 'What does this arrow mean? [The rabbit eats the grass and gets its energy].' Create multiple examples with arrows and have students explain each one. Emphasize that arrows always point from food to eater, showing energy transfer direction.

Question 6

According to the food chain Sun → Grass → Rabbit, where does the rabbit get energy?

  1. by breathing air to make energy
  2. by absorbing sunlight like a plant
  3. by eating grass with stored energy (correct answer)
  4. by drinking water for energy
Explanation: This question tests the ability to use models to trace energy transfer from plants to animals (NGSS 5-PS3-1). Students must understand that animals get energy by eating plants and that energy transfers through the food chain. Animals cannot make their own food using sunlight the way plants do—animals don't have chlorophyll and cannot photosynthesize. Instead, animals must get energy by eating food. When a rabbit eats grass, the energy stored in the grass (the sugars and starches the grass made using sunlight) transfers to the rabbit's body, where it can be used for hopping, staying warm, and growing. Choice C is correct because it accurately describes that the rabbit gets energy by eating grass with stored energy. This demonstrates understanding that eating is the mechanism by which energy transfers from plants to animals. Choices A, B, and D fail because breathing air, absorbing sunlight, and drinking water don't provide energy—only food provides energy to animals. To help students understand: Create food chain diagrams with arrows showing energy flow. Practice: Sun → Grass → Rabbit. Ask 'Where does the rabbit get energy?' [By eating grass] 'Can the rabbit get energy directly from the sun?' [No, only plants can]. Emphasize that animals must eat to get energy.

Question 7

The model shows energy flows Sun → Grass → Rabbit. What is the rabbit's energy source?

  1. by running around to create energy
  2. by breathing air to make energy
  3. by eating grass with stored sun energy (correct answer)
  4. by absorbing sunlight like grass does
Explanation: This question tests the ability to use models to trace energy transfer from plants to animals (NGSS 5-PS3-1). Students must understand that animals get energy by eating plants and that energy transfers through the food chain. Animals cannot make their own food using sunlight the way plants do—animals don't have chlorophyll and cannot photosynthesize. Instead, animals must get energy by eating food. When an animal eats a plant, the energy stored in the plant's food (the sugars and starches the plant made using sunlight) transfers to the animal's body. For example, when a rabbit eats grass, the energy stored in the grass moves into the rabbit's body, where it can be used for running, staying warm, and growing. The rabbit doesn't get energy from sunlight directly, from the air it breathes, or from the water it drinks—the energy comes from the plant food it eats. This is why the arrow in food chain diagrams points from the plant to the animal: energy flows from plant to animal through eating. Choice C is correct because it accurately describes that the animal gets energy by eating the plant (or consuming plant food). This demonstrates understanding that eating is the mechanism by which energy transfers from plants to animals, and that the energy stored in plant tissues moves into the animal's body when the plant is consumed. Choice D fails because it claims the animal gets energy directly from the sun, when animals cannot photosynthesize and must eat plants to get the sun's energy. The only way for animals to get the energy originally captured by plants from the sun is to eat the plants. To help students understand energy transfer from plants to animals: Create simple food chain diagrams with arrows. Emphasize: 'The arrow means energy flows this way.' Practice: Sun → Grass → Rabbit. 'Where does the rabbit get energy? [By eating grass] Can the rabbit get energy directly from the sun? [No, only plants can] What happens when the rabbit eats grass? [Energy in the grass transfers to the rabbit].' Use the phrase 'energy transfers through eating' repeatedly. Compare: Plants make their own food using sunlight (producers). Animals must eat plants or other animals to get energy (consumers). Draw a clear distinction: sunlight → plants only. Animals must eat. Show multiple examples: Cow eats grass, caterpillar eats leaves, deer eats plants, person eats vegetables—in all cases, energy transfers from plant to animal through eating. Watch for: Students who think animals can absorb sunlight directly, or who confuse things necessary for life (water, air, shelter) with energy sources. Reinforce: Water and air are needed but don't provide energy. Only food provides energy. For animals, food comes from eating plants or other animals.

Question 8

According to the food chain, where does the rabbit get the energy it needs?

  1. by drinking water from a stream
  2. by absorbing sunlight like a plant
  3. by eating grass that stored sun energy (correct answer)
  4. by breathing air to get energy
Explanation: This question tests the ability to use models to trace energy transfer from plants to animals (NGSS 5-PS3-1). Students must understand that animals get energy by eating plants and that energy transfers through the food chain. Animals cannot make their own food using sunlight the way plants do—animals don't have chlorophyll and cannot photosynthesize. Instead, animals must get energy by eating food. When an animal eats a plant, the energy stored in the plant's food (the sugars and starches the plant made using sunlight) transfers to the animal's body. For example, when a rabbit eats grass, the energy stored in the grass moves into the rabbit's body, where it can be used for hopping, staying warm, and growing. The rabbit doesn't get energy from sunlight directly, from the air it breathes, or from the water it drinks—the energy comes from the plant food it eats. This is why the arrow in food chain diagrams points from the plant to the animal: energy flows from plant to animal through eating. Choice C is correct because it accurately describes that the animal gets energy by eating the plant (or consuming plant food). This demonstrates understanding that eating is the mechanism by which energy transfers from plants to animals, and that the energy stored in plant tissues moves into the animal's body when the plant is consumed. Choice B fails because it claims the animal gets energy directly from the sun, when animals cannot photosynthesize and must eat plants to get the sun's energy. The only way for animals to get the energy originally captured by plants from the sun is to eat the plants. To help students understand energy transfer from plants to animals: Create simple food chain diagrams with arrows. Emphasize: 'The arrow means energy flows this way.' Practice: Sun → Grass → Rabbit. 'Where does the rabbit get energy? [By eating grass] Can the rabbit get energy directly from the sun? [No, only plants can] What happens when the rabbit eats grass? [Energy in the grass transfers to the rabbit].' Use the phrase 'energy transfers through eating' repeatedly. Compare: Plants make their own food using sunlight (producers). Animals must eat plants or other animals to get energy (consumers). Draw a clear distinction: sunlight → plants only. Animals must eat. Show multiple examples: Cow eats grass, caterpillar eats leaves, deer eats plants, person eats vegetables—in all cases, energy transfers from plant to animal through eating. Watch for: Students who think animals can absorb sunlight directly, or who confuse things necessary for life (water, air, shelter) with energy sources. Reinforce: Water and air are needed but don't provide energy. Only food provides energy. For animals, food comes from eating plants or other animals.

Question 9

According to Sun → Grass → Deer, how does energy flow from plants to animals?

  1. by the deer breathing air for energy
  2. by the deer eating grass for energy (correct answer)
  3. by the deer absorbing sunlight directly
  4. by the deer drinking water for energy
Explanation: This question tests the ability to use models to trace energy transfer from plants to animals (NGSS 5-PS3-1). Students must understand that animals get energy by eating plants and that energy transfers through the food chain. Energy flows from plants to animals through the process of eating—this is the only way animals can access the energy that plants captured from the sun. When a deer eats grass, the energy stored in the grass (from photosynthesis) transfers to the deer's body. The deer cannot get energy directly from sunlight, air, or water—it must eat plants. Choice B is correct because it accurately describes that energy flows by the deer eating grass for energy, demonstrating understanding of eating as the transfer mechanism. Choices A, C, and D fail because breathing air, absorbing sunlight directly, and drinking water don't transfer energy from plants to animals—only eating does. Teaching strategy: Emphasize the word 'flow' in energy flow. Draw arrows from grass to deer and explain 'Energy flows this direction when the deer eats.' Compare what plants can do (absorb sunlight) with what animals must do (eat plants). Use the phrase 'energy transfers through eating' repeatedly to reinforce this key concept.

Question 10

According to the food chain Sun → Leaves → Caterpillar, the caterpillar gets energy by?

  1. by eating leaves that stored sun energy (correct answer)
  2. by making food from sunlight itself
  3. by drinking water on the leaves
  4. by breathing air to get energy
Explanation: This question tests the ability to use models to trace energy transfer from plants to animals (NGSS 5-PS3-1). Students must understand that animals get energy by eating plants and that energy transfers through the food chain. Animals cannot make their own food using sunlight the way plants do—animals don't have chlorophyll and cannot photosynthesize. Instead, animals must get energy by eating food, and when a caterpillar eats leaves, the energy stored in the leaves from the sun transfers to the caterpillar's body for growth and movement. Choice A is correct because it accurately describes that the caterpillar gets energy by eating leaves that stored sun energy, showing that eating is the mechanism by which energy transfers from plants to animals. Choice B fails because it suggests the animal makes its own food from sunlight itself, when only plants can do this through photosynthesis. To help students understand energy transfer from plants to animals: Create simple food chain diagrams with arrows, emphasizing 'The arrow means energy flows this way.' Practice: Sun → Leaves → Caterpillar; ask 'What happens when the caterpillar eats leaves? Energy transfers to the caterpillar.' Reinforce that water and air are needed but don't provide energy, only food does, and use examples like rabbits eating grass or squirrels eating nuts to illustrate energy flow through eating.

Question 11

The model shows: Sun → Grass. How does a cow get that sun energy?​

  1. by absorbing sunlight like grass does
  2. by eating grass that stored sunlight (correct answer)
  3. by drinking water for energy
  4. by breathing air to gain energy
Explanation: This question tests the ability to use models to trace energy transfer from plants to animals (NGSS 5-PS3-1). Students must understand that animals get energy by eating plants and that energy transfers through the food chain. The model shows Sun → Grass, and students must determine how a cow accesses the sun's energy stored in grass. Cows cannot photosynthesize or capture sunlight directly—only plants like grass can do this. The cow obtains the sun's energy by eating the grass that has already captured and stored solar energy through photosynthesis. Choice B is correct because it accurately states the cow gets sun energy by eating grass that stored sunlight, showing complete understanding of the energy pathway. Choice A fails because cows cannot absorb sunlight like plants, and choices C and D fail because water and air don't provide energy. Teaching strategy: Use the question 'How does the cow get the sun's energy?' to trace energy flow. Guide students: 'The sun gives energy to grass, grass stores it, cow eats grass to get that stored energy.' Emphasize that all animal energy ultimately comes from the sun, but animals must eat plants (or other animals) to access it.

Question 12

Food chain: Sun → Algae → Tadpole. Where did the tadpole's energy start?

  1. by coming directly from the sun
  2. by starting in algae from sunlight (correct answer)
  3. by starting in water the tadpole drank
  4. by starting in air the tadpole breathed
Explanation: This question tests the ability to use models to trace energy transfer from plants to animals (NGSS 5-PS3-1). Students must understand that animals get energy by eating plants and that energy transfers through the food chain. The food chain shows Sun → Algae → Tadpole, and students must trace where the tadpole's energy originally came from. Algae, like all plants, capture sunlight through photosynthesis and store it as chemical energy. When the tadpole eats algae, it gets this stored solar energy. Choice B is correct because it accurately identifies that the tadpole's energy started in algae from sunlight, showing understanding of the complete energy pathway. Choice A fails because the tadpole cannot get energy directly from the sun—it must eat the algae that captured the sunlight. Choices C and D fail because water and air don't provide energy. Teaching strategy: Use tracing exercises with food chains. Ask: 'Where did the energy start? [Sun] Who captured it? [Algae] How did the tadpole get it? [By eating algae]' Emphasize that all energy in food chains ultimately comes from the sun, but animals can only access it by eating plants.

Question 13

In the chain Sun → Corn plant → Chicken, how does the chicken get energy?

  1. by eating the corn plant for energy (correct answer)
  2. by making its own food from sunlight
  3. by breathing air to get energy
  4. by absorbing warmth to gain energy
Explanation: This question tests the ability to use models to trace energy transfer from plants to animals (NGSS 5-PS3-1). Students must understand that animals get energy by eating plants and that energy transfers through the food chain. The chain shows Sun → Corn plant → Chicken, and chickens, like all animals, cannot make their own food from sunlight. Chickens must eat to get energy, and when they eat corn (or corn plants), they obtain the energy that the corn plant originally captured from the sun through photosynthesis. Choice A is correct because it accurately describes that the chicken gets energy by eating the corn plant. Choice B fails because only plants can make their own food from sunlight, choice C fails because breathing doesn't provide energy, and choice D fails because absorbing warmth doesn't give the body usable energy. To help students: Create clear food chains showing energy flow. Ask: 'Can the chicken use sunlight to make food? No, only plants can. How does the chicken get energy? By eating plants.' Distinguish between things that keep us alive (air, water, warmth) and things that provide energy (food).

Question 14

In the chain Sun → leaves → caterpillar, how does the caterpillar get energy?

  1. by eating leaves that stored sunlight (correct answer)
  2. by making its own food from sunlight
  3. by breathing air to gain energy
  4. by absorbing sunlight through its skin
Explanation: This question tests the ability to use models to trace energy transfer from plants to animals (NGSS 5-PS3-1). Students must understand that animals get energy by eating plants and that energy transfers through the food chain. In the chain Sun → leaves → caterpillar, energy flows in one direction through eating. The sun's energy is captured by leaves through photosynthesis and stored as food. When the caterpillar eats the leaves, this stored sunlight energy transfers to the caterpillar's body for crawling, growing, and eventually forming a chrysalis. Choice A is correct because it accurately describes that the caterpillar gets energy by eating leaves that stored sunlight, showing understanding of the complete energy pathway. Choices B, C, and D fail because caterpillars cannot make their own food from sunlight (they lack chlorophyll), breathing provides oxygen but not energy, and caterpillars cannot absorb sunlight through their skin—only eating provides energy. To help students understand: Use the specific chain Sun → Leaves → Caterpillar with arrows. Explain: 'Each arrow means energy transfers through eating.' Ask: 'Can the caterpillar skip the leaves and get energy directly from the sun? [No, only plants can use sunlight].' Show how caterpillars must eat many leaves because they're growing rapidly and need lots of energy. Reinforce that animals are consumers who must eat to get energy.

Question 15

The model shows that energy transfers from grass to a cow when it eats.

  1. by eating grass that stored sunlight (correct answer)
  2. by absorbing sunlight like a plant
  3. by breathing air to make energy
  4. by moving around to create energy
Explanation: This question tests the ability to use models to trace energy transfer from plants to animals (NGSS 5-PS3-1). Students must understand that animals get energy by eating plants and that energy transfers through the food chain. Cows cannot make their own food using sunlight the way plants do—they don't have chlorophyll and cannot photosynthesize. Instead, cows must get energy by eating grass. When a cow eats grass, the energy that the grass stored from sunlight (in the form of sugars and starches) transfers to the cow's body. Choice A is correct because it accurately describes that the cow gets energy by eating grass that stored sunlight, showing understanding of the complete energy pathway from sun to plant to animal. Choices B, C, and D fail because cows cannot absorb sunlight directly (only plants can photosynthesize), breathing provides oxygen but not energy, and movement uses energy rather than creating it. To help students understand: Draw food chain arrows Sun → Grass → Cow and explain 'Energy flows this way through eating.' Ask students: 'How does the sun's energy get to the cow? [First the grass captures it, then the cow eats the grass].' Emphasize that animals are consumers who must eat producers (plants) to get energy, and watch for misconceptions that animals can get energy directly from sun, air, or movement.

Question 16

According to Sun → Lettuce → Human, the energy humans use comes from what action?

  1. by eating lettuce with stored energy (correct answer)
  2. by breathing air to make energy
  3. by absorbing sunlight like a plant
  4. by drinking water for energy
Explanation: This question tests the ability to use models to trace energy transfer from plants to animals (NGSS 5-PS3-1). Students must understand that animals get energy by eating plants and that energy transfers through the food chain. Humans, like all animals, cannot photosynthesize—we don't have chlorophyll and cannot make food from sunlight. When humans eat lettuce, the energy stored in the lettuce (from photosynthesis) transfers to our bodies for walking, thinking, growing, and all life activities. The sun's energy is captured by lettuce through photosynthesis, and humans access that energy by eating the lettuce. Choice A is correct because it accurately describes that humans get energy by eating lettuce with stored energy, showing understanding of energy transfer through consumption. Choices B, C, and D fail because breathing air, absorbing sunlight, and drinking water are necessary for life but don't provide energy—only food provides the energy our bodies need. To help students: Make it personal—'Can you make food from sunlight like a plant?' [No] 'How do you get energy?' [By eating food]. Show various vegetables and explain each one stored energy from the sun that transfers to us when we eat them.

Question 17

The model shows that energy transfers from a plant to an animal when it does what?

  1. by eating the plant for energy (correct answer)
  2. by standing in warm sunlight
  3. by drinking water for energy
  4. by breathing air to gain energy
Explanation: This question tests the ability to use models to trace energy transfer from plants to animals (NGSS 5-PS3-1). Students must understand that animals get energy by eating plants and that energy transfers through the food chain. Energy transfers from plants to animals occur through one specific action: eating. When an animal consumes a plant, the chemical energy stored in the plant's tissues (from photosynthesis) moves into the animal's body. Choice A is correct because it identifies eating as the mechanism for energy transfer from plant to animal. Choices B, C, and D fail because standing in sunlight warms an animal but doesn't provide energy, and water and air are necessary for life but don't contain usable energy for animals. To help students: Create simple demonstrations showing that energy transfers happen through eating. Use arrows in food chain diagrams and repeatedly state: 'The arrow shows energy moving from plant to animal when the animal eats.' Clarify common misconceptions: warmth from sunlight isn't the same as energy from food, and breathing/drinking keep us alive but don't provide the energy our bodies use.

Question 18

According to the food chain, the squirrel gets its energy by doing what?

  1. by drinking water from a stream
  2. by eating acorns made by the tree (correct answer)
  3. by making food using sunlight
  4. by absorbing energy through its skin
Explanation: This question tests the ability to use models to trace energy transfer from plants to animals (NGSS 5-PS3-1). Students must understand that animals get energy by eating plants and that energy transfers through the food chain. Squirrels cannot make their own food using sunlight—they lack chlorophyll and cannot photosynthesize like plants do. Instead, squirrels must get energy by eating food. When a squirrel eats acorns (which are seeds made by oak trees), the energy stored in those acorns transfers to the squirrel's body for climbing, staying warm, and growing. Choice B is correct because it accurately describes that the squirrel gets energy by eating acorns made by the tree, demonstrating understanding that eating plant products is how energy transfers from plants to animals. Choices A, C, and D fail because water provides hydration but not energy, animals cannot make food using sunlight (only plants can), and animals cannot absorb energy through their skin. To help students understand: Create food chain diagrams showing Sun → Oak Tree → Acorns → Squirrel. Emphasize: 'The squirrel gets the tree's stored energy by eating acorns.' Practice identifying what different animals eat: 'What plant food gives the squirrel energy? [Acorns, nuts, seeds].' Reinforce that all animal energy comes from eating plants or other animals, never directly from sun, water, or air.

Question 19

The model shows: Sun → Grass. How does a cow get that sun energy?

  1. by absorbing sunlight like grass does
  2. by eating grass that stored sunlight (correct answer)
  3. by drinking water for energy
  4. by breathing air to gain energy
Explanation: This question tests the ability to use models to trace energy transfer from plants to animals (NGSS 5-PS3-1). Students must understand that animals get energy by eating plants and that energy transfers through the food chain. The model shows Sun → Grass, and students must determine how a cow accesses the sun's energy stored in grass. Cows cannot photosynthesize or capture sunlight directly—only plants like grass can do this. The cow obtains the sun's energy by eating the grass that has already captured and stored solar energy through photosynthesis. Choice B is correct because it accurately states the cow gets sun energy by eating grass that stored sunlight, showing complete understanding of the energy pathway. Choice A fails because cows cannot absorb sunlight like plants, and choices C and D fail because water and air don't provide energy. Teaching strategy: Use the question 'How does the cow get the sun's energy?' to trace energy flow. Guide students: 'The sun gives energy to grass, grass stores it, cow eats grass to get that stored energy.' Emphasize that all animal energy ultimately comes from the sun, but animals must eat plants (or other animals) to access it.

Question 20

The model shows Sun → Tree leaves → Squirrel; how does energy reach the squirrel?

  1. by absorbing sunlight directly through its fur
  2. by eating plant food that stored sun energy (correct answer)
  3. by drinking water from the tree trunk
  4. by creating energy by running and jumping
Explanation: This question tests the ability to use models to trace energy transfer from plants to animals (NGSS 5-PS3-1). Students must understand that animals get energy by eating plants and that energy transfers through the food chain. Animals cannot make their own food using sunlight the way plants do—animals don't have chlorophyll and cannot photosynthesize. Instead, animals must get energy by eating food, and energy reaches the squirrel by eating plant food like tree leaves or nuts that stored sun energy. Choice B is correct because it accurately describes that the squirrel gets energy by eating plant food that stored sun energy, emphasizing eating as the transfer mechanism. Choice A fails because it claims the animal absorbs sunlight directly through its fur, when animals cannot photosynthesize and must eat plants. To help students understand energy transfer from plants to animals: Create simple food chain diagrams with arrows, emphasizing 'The arrow means energy flows this way.' Practice: Sun → Tree leaves → Squirrel; ask 'How does energy reach the squirrel? By eating leaves.' Reinforce distinctions like plants use sunlight directly while animals eat, and use examples such as rabbits eating grass or deer eating plants to illustrate energy transfer through eating.