Texas TEKS 4.13

4.13 is a TEKS knowledge and skills statement. These are the student expectations under it.

• 4.13.A

  explore and explain how structures and functions of plants such as waxy leaves and deep roots enable them to survive in their environment

• 4.13.B

  differentiate between inherited and acquired physical traits of organisms.

01

What Students Need to Do

Students match plant structures, including waxy leaves and deep roots, to the survival job each performs in a particular environment. They distinguish physical traits passed from parents from physical changes gained during an organism's life.

02

What Mastery Looks Like

Given an unfamiliar plant, a student uses environmental evidence to explain how a structure improves water access or limits water loss. The student correctly classifies fur color, scars, and enlarged muscles as inherited or acquired and explains why.

03

Common Misconceptions

Students may think waxy leaves absorb extra water, rather than slow water loss, or that deep roots only anchor the plant. They may label every visible feature as inherited, including scars or larger muscles developed through use. Some also think acquired physical traits are passed to offspring.

04

How to Assess It

Exit ticket: A desert plant has waxy leaves and roots reaching far underground. Explain how each helps it survive, then label fur color and a scar as inherited or acquired.

1. 01

   Weigh two damp sponge leaves, coat one with petroleum jelly, wait, then reweigh them to model reduced water loss.

2. 02

   Show a cactus and mesquite tree, then ask students to explain which structures help each plant survive dry conditions.

3. 03

   Sort picture cards showing fur color, scars, eye color, and enlarged muscles into inherited and acquired groups, then defend each choice.

4. 04

   Inspect schoolyard plants and predict how their leaves, stems, or roots help them handle local sunlight, water, and soil conditions.

• 1.13

  Organisms and environments. The student knows that organisms resemble their parents and have structures and undergo processes that help them interact and surviv...

• 2.13

  Organisms and environments. The student knows that organisms have structures and undergo processes that help them interact and survive within their environments...

• 5.13

  Organisms and environments. The student knows that organisms undergo similar life processes and have structures and behaviors that help them survive within thei...

• 3.13

  The 3rd Grade version of this standard.