Introduction
This PSLE Science question tests a student’s ability to understand animal adaptations, including how physical features help animals survive in different temperatures.
The teacher uses the method of elimination to quickly narrow down incorrect options and identify the organism that is best suited for the given environment.
The Question
Students are given a table showing several animals with different characteristics:
- Body size
- Body covering
- Ability to withstand cold
The question requires selecting the organism best adapted for cold climates.
Step-by-Step Explanation (Following Teacher’s Working)
Step 1 — Identify the environmental condition
The question clearly states that the animal must survive in a colder environment.
✔ Animals in cold climates usually have:
- Larger body size → keeps heat better
- Thicker fur or insulating body covering
- Ability to withstand very low temperatures
Step 2 — Apply the Method of Elimination
The teacher systematically eliminates each option:
❌ Some animals are too small → lose heat quickly
❌ Some animals have little or no body covering → not insulated
❌ Some animals cannot survive in very low temperatures
Step 3 — Identify the correct organism
Only one option has all the correct adaptations:
✔ Larger body size
✔ Thicker body covering
✔ Ability to survive extreme cold
This matches what real cold-climate animals (e.g., polar bears, arctic foxes) need to survive.
Thus, the correct answer is Option (3).
Key Concepts
| Concept | Explanation |
| Adaptation | A feature that helps an organism survive |
| Insulation | Prevents heat loss in cold climates |
| Surface Area to Volume Ratio | Larger animals lose heat more slowly |
| Elimination Method | A systematic way to remove wrong options |
Tips for Students
✔ Look for keywords like “cold,” “hot,” or “dry,” which hint at the required adaptation.
✔ Always check body covering first for temperature-related questions.
✔ Use the method of elimination — remove options that clearly can’t survive.
✔ Think about real-life examples (polar bear, penguin, camel, etc.).
For Parents
This type of question is very common in PSLE Science.
It tests understanding, not memorisation.
Students must identify and compare adaptations — a key skill in Primary Science.
Practicing these questions improves both MCQ accuracy and confidence.