Life is Sweet for Monarchs Insects Receive Nectar as Reward for Pollination (Back to Lesson) National Science Education Standards Inquiry Plan and conduct a simple investigation. (K-4) Simple instruments, such as magnifiers, thermometers, and rulers, provide more information than scientists obtain using only their senses. (K-4) Life Science Organisms have basic needs. For example, animals need air, water and food; plants require air, water, nutrients, and light. Each plant or animal has different structures that serve different functions in growth, survival, reproduction. (K-4) All animals depend on plants. Some animals eat plants for food. Others eat animals that eat plants. (K-4) Living systems at all levels of organization demonstrate the complementary nature of structure and function. (5-8) Biological adaptations include changes in structures, behaviors, or physiology that enhance survival and reproductive success in a particular environment. (5-8)