What Do Zoos Do? & Zoos: Myth and Reality

Which statement describes the controlling idea of the text?

• There are many endangered species at U.S. zoos.

• U.S. zoos are involved in many wildlife conservation efforts.

• U.S. zoos help identify endangered animals.

• People should visit wildlife conservation centers at U.S. zoos.

Which detail from the text best supports the answer to Part A (#1)?

• Chimpanzees swing from trees at the Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago.

• They are all in danger of disappearing in their natural habitat, and zoos are trying to help save them.

• Sometimes, zoos' efforts take scientists around the world.

• But the zoo has many other projects few people hear about.

How does the author support the controlling idea?

• By listing the types of animals at each of the zoos in order of increasing endangerment

• By explaining conservation through detailed descriptions of animal behavior

• By ordering the animals and zoos according to their geographical locations

• By using examples of what different groups are doing to save specific animals

Based on the scientists' concerns for the tapir in paragraph 10, what can the reader conclude?

• People are capturing tapirs and putting them in zoos

• People think that studying the tapir is unnecessary.

• People are developing too much of the land where the tapir lives.

• People do not know how to identify tapirs.

How does paragraph 4 support the author’s argument?

• 1. It explains to readers that the endangered species support programs are not working.

• It emphasizes that evidence that zoos help people understand the importance of conservation is limited

• 1. It proves to readers that seeing animals in cages is beneficial to the general public.

• It convinces readers that viewing captive animals educates the public about endangered species support programs

 Which statement best supports the author’s point that “animals continue to endure lives of misery and 

deprivation?”

• 1. only a tiny percentage allocate the resources necessary to participate in endangered species support programs

• A recent Zoocheck Canada survey of black bear and gray wolf facilities in North America revealed a number of outstanding exhibits where the animals displayed an extensive range of natural movements and behaviors.

• 1. Most animals in zoos in North America are still consigned to lead inadequate and meager lives in undersized, impoverished enclosures

• Times are changing, and with them, public attitudes.

 In “Zoos: Myth and Reality” the author mostly supports his argument with –

• 1. Opinions unsupported by evidence

• Emotional appeals with accompanying facts

• 1. Testimonials of zoo keepers

• Questions that lead the reader to his or her own conclusions

Read the following dictionary entry:

untenable [ uhn-ten-uh-buhl ] adj.

1. incapable of being defended; indefensible; 2. inconsistent; 3. not fit to be occupied, as an apartment, house, etc.; 4. groundless or unfounded

Which definition best matches the word untenable as it is used in paragraph 11?

• 1. Definition 1

• Definition 2

• 1. Definition 3

• Definition 4

1. With which statement would BOTH authors most likely agree?
   

• 1. Accredited, responsible zoos should encourage humane treatment of wildlife.

• 1. Governmental agencies should release all zoo animals back to the wild.

• 1. Educating people about wildlife conservation is not worth the effort.

• Animal cruelty is a widespread problem only in roadside zoos.

1. Read this excerpt from paragraph 3 of “What Do Zoos Do?”

   Zoos across the country are changing these days. They aren’t just places to see wild animals in cages anymore.

3. Which sentence from “Zoos: Myth and Reality” contrasts with the attitude expressed in paragraph 3 above?

   
   

• 1. Are there good captive environments where the biological and behavioral needs of animals are being satisfied?  The answer is yes. 

• 1. Nearly every zoo, from the smallest amateur operation to the largest professional facilities, claims to be making important contributions to conservation, usually through participation in endangered species support programs and public education.

• 1. Yet despite the best of intentions or claims, most animals in zoos in North America are still consigned to lead inadequate and meager lives in undersized, impoverished enclosures, both old and new, that fail to meet their biological and behavioral needs.

• Times are changing, and with them, public attitudes.