Reading Comprehension

The ocean is another world and is teeming with an abundance of plants and animal life. One of the most unusual creatures living there is the seahorse. Once a female seahorse becomes pregnant, the female transfers her eggs into the father's pouch. He then carries them inside of his body for weeks. Once the babies are fully developed, it is the father rather than the mother that gives birth to the babies.

Based on the text, why are seahorses unusual?

• The father gives birth.

• The father lays the eggs.

• They live in the sea.

Tags

CCSS.RI.4.1

CCSS.RI.4.2

CCSS.RI.4.3

The ocean is another world and is teeming with an abundance of plants and animal life. One of the most unusual creatures living there is the seahorse. Once a female seahorse becomes pregnant, the female transfers her eggs into the father's pouch. He then carries them inside of his body for weeks. Once the babies are fully developed, it is the father rather than the mother that gives birth to the babies.

The word teeming most closely means

• unusual or strange

• full of something

• completely developed

Tags

CCSS.L.4.4A

CCSS.RI.4.4

The exterior of the seahorse’s body is covered with a bony structure that stretches from the top of its head to the tip of its tail. This outer shell is used to protect a seahorse from harm much like how the hard outer shell protects the internal organs of a beetle. Resembling that of a monkey, a seahorse’s tail curls easily and is used for grabbing objects. Despite the tail and its name, this creature is not actually related to horses.

Why did the author describe a beetle shell in the text?

• to explain how both animals are different

• to tell why seahorses have long tails at the ends of their bodies

• to better assist the reader in imagining what a seahorse looks like

Tags

CCSS.RI.4.1

CCSS.RI.4.2

CCSS.RI.4.8

The exterior of the seahorse’s body is covered with a bony structure that stretches from the top of its head to the tip of its tail. This outer shell is used to protect a seahorse from harm much like how the hard outer shell protects the internal organs of a beetle. Resembling that of a monkey, a seahorse’s tail curls easily and is used for grabbing objects. Despite the tail and its name, this creature is not actually related to horses.

How does a tail help a seahorse?

• It helps it to hold on to objects.

• It keeps it from being eaten by other animals.

• It holds the bony structures onto its body.

Tags

CCSS.RI.4.1

CCSS.RI.4.2

CCSS.RI.4.3

Seahorses vary from 3.5 inches to 14 inches long depending on the species. They are mostly found in the warm waters of Asia and the Central Pacific Ocean. Others can be found in the Caribbean Sea. They mostly live in the shallow water of coral reefs in comparison to the giant squid that is found in the deepest parts of the ocean. Seahorses live alone unlike most fish that stay together in groups called schools. To stay secure, a seahorse uses its tail to grip tightly onto a blade of underwater grass. It is able to be camouflaged which helps it hide from predators. From this location, it can grab food as it passes by or stay still to hide from animals that could cause harm.

What is the meaning of the word shallow?

• warmer water

• area filled with plants

• not deep

Tags

CCSS.L.4.4A

CCSS.RI.4.4

Seahorses vary from 3.5 inches to 14 inches long depending on the species. They are mostly found in the warm waters of Asia and the Central Pacific Ocean. Others can be found in the Caribbean Sea. They mostly live in the shallow water of coral reefs in comparison to the giant squid that is found in the deepest parts of the ocean. Seahorses live alone unlike most fish that stay together in groups called schools. To stay secure, a seahorse uses its tail to grip tightly onto a blade of underwater grass. It is able to be camouflaged which helps it hide from predators. From this location, it can grab food as it passes by or stay still to hide from animals that could cause harm.

How do seahorses get food? Explain in complete sentences.

Tags

CCSS.RI.4.1

CCSS.RI.4.2

CCSS.RI.4.3

CCSS.W.4.2B

A seahorse does not have teeth. Instead, it must eat its food whole. Inside of intestines, there are digestive juices that break down the food into smaller particles. Then, nutrients from the food are absorbed into the seahorse’s body. Seahorses feed on shrimp and other small creatures that swim in the water.

What happens right after a seahorse takes in food?

• Nutrients are absorbed.

• Digestive juices break down the food.

• It looks for more shrimp to eat.

Tags

CCSS.RI.4.1

CCSS.RI.4.2

CCSS.RI.4.3

A seahorse does not have teeth. Instead, it must eat its food whole. Inside of intestines, there are digestive juices that break down the food into smaller particles. Then, nutrients from the food are absorbed into the seahorse’s body. Seahorses feed on shrimp and other small creatures that swim in the water.

Seahorses do not have teeth but are still equipped to eat food. What details from the text support this idea? Explain in complete sentences.

Tags

CCSS.RI.4.1

CCSS.RI.4.2

CCSS.RI.4.3

Unlike crabs that have pinchers for protection or puffer fish that can increase their size to frighten other animals away, a seahorse has few features for defense against predators. Its main strategy is the use of camouflage. The tan and brownish skin and bony texture makes it easy for a seahorse to blend in with its environment. Green plants and sand fill a seahorse’s habitat. Its small and delicate fins are not build for fast swimming. A seahorse’s small body can only reach slow speeds.

What reasons and evidence does the author provide to support the idea that seahorses have little protection from predators? Explain in complete sentences.

Tags

CCSS.RI.4.1

CCSS.RI.4.8

Unlike crabs that have pinchers for protection or puffer fish that can increase their size to frighten other animals away, a seahorse has few features for defense against predators. Its main strategy is the use of camouflage. The tan and brownish skin and bony texture makes it easy for a seahorse to blend in with its environment. Green plants and sand fill a seahorse’s habitat. Its small and delicate fins are not build for fast swimming. A seahorse’s small body can only reach slow speeds.

In the first sentence of the paragraph, the author talks about crabs. Why did the author include this detail?

• to describe what a seahorse habitat is like

• to list the name of an animal that likes to eat seahorses

• to give an example of a defense that seahorses do not have.

Tags

CCSS.RI.4.1