Squirrels Using Snakeskin - 2013

4 The author wrote this selection most likely to —

• inform readers of the differences between squirrels and snakes

• explain efforts to understand an unusual squirrel behavior

• encourage readers to investigate the activities of squirrels

• tell readers about a special squirrel and its diet

Paragraphs 2 through 4 are mainly about —

• a special protein that adult squirrels have in their bodies

• how female squirrels use snakeskin to protect themselves

• how fleas can be avoided by using the skin shed by rattlesnakes

• possible reasons that squirrels spread chewed snakeskin on their bodies

Clucas’s observations contribute to the understanding of why squirrels use snakeskin by —

• providing support for one of the theories presented by scientists

• proving that male squirrels are more aggressive than female squirrels

• suggesting that young squirrels do not know how to apply chewed snakeskin to themselves

• explaining why adult squirrels have a special protein in their blood

In paragraph 6, the word detects means —

• dislikes

• expects

• discovers

• ignores

Which of these is the best summary of the selection?

• Scientists have discovered that some squirrels chew rattlesnake skin and apply it to themselves. There are several possible explanations for this behavior. Barbara Clucas conducted a study using a group of squirrels and discovered that it is likely that female squirrels and young squirrels use the snakeskin as protection against rattlesnakes.

• Some squirrels have an unusual habit of chewing rattlesnake skin and applying it to their fur for protection. Scientists have discovered that adult squirrels do not need protection from rattlesnake venom. However, female and young squirrels chew and apply rattlesnake skin to their bodies.

• Scientists developed a few theories to explain why squirrels chew rattlesnake skin and apply it to their fur. Barbara Clucas studied squirrels to find the answer. She numbered each squirrel in the study by using black hair dye.

• Some squirrels are known to look for the skin that rattlesnakes leave behind when they shed. Once the squirrels find the skin, they chew it up, spit it out, and put it on their fur. Scientists wonder about this behavior and have some possible explanations for it.

Use “A Clever Use of Coconuts” (pp. 25–26) to answer questions 29–32. Then fill in the answers on your answer document.

In paragraph 4, the word indicates means —

• suggests

• depends

• helps

• decides

The fact that octopuses sometimes move coconut shells from one place to another is important because it suggests that octopuses —

• are more intelligent than some birds

• are able to plan for future needs

• relocate to new homes often

• may find other types of shells to use in the future

The purpose of this selection is to —

• compare octopuses with other animals that are also tool users

• describe an octopus that was hiding in a coconut shell

• provide readers with facts about the intelligence of octopuses

• encourage readers to learn more about interesting sea creatures

The photograph is included with the selection most likely to —

• show how many arms an octopus has

• demonstrate how an octopus puts shell halves together

• show why octopuses need to hide from enemies

• illustrate how an octopus can fit inside a coconut shell

Use “Squirrels Using Snakeskin?” and “A Clever Use of Coconuts” to answer questions 33–36. Then fill in the answers on your answer document.

What is one difference between the types of animal behavior described in the two selections?

• Many animals use snakeskin for protection, but only octopuses are known to use shells to protect themselves.

• Squirrels have several ways of protecting themselves, but octopuses have only one way.

• Scientists understand why squirrels use snakeskin, but research is needed to understand why octopuses use coconut shells.

• Squirrels disguise themselves with scent, but octopuses hide from the view of their enemies.