Building Viariums

Identify the text structure of this passage.

• Descriptive
• Comparative
• Chronological or Sequential
• Problem and Solution

In paragraph 4, how does the author help the reader understand why different lighting and temperatures are needed for different vivariums?

• by naming different earth material

• by contrasting plant life with animal life

• by discussing features of different materials

•   by discussing the needs of different animals

What is the purpose of paragraphs 1 through 5?

• They give a list of facts about various kinds of vivariums and what can live in them.

• They present useful information about the planning stage of a vivarium

• They offer helpful ideas for designing the background and hardscape of a vivarium.

• They provide all necessary instructions for the building stage of a vivarium.

Read this sentence from paragraph 6.

For the background, be creative.

What does the word “creative” suggest about designing the background of a vivarium?

• Much preparation may be involved in the design

• Some imagination may be involved in the design.

• The design should be simple.

• The design should be elaborate.

What additional information about vivariums can be gained from the labeled diagram?

• A person can reach inside a vivarium from a side wall, not only from a top lid.

• A person can see inside some vivariums from all four sides of the container.

• A vivarium needs a false bottom, which sits above the bottom of the container.

• some vivariums use pebbles for substrate, while others use peat or wood chips.

   

Which sentence from the article best supports the idea that vivariums provide enjoyment as well as a learning experience?

• “A vivarium is a clever way to have a miniature ecosystem in your own home.” (paragraph 1)

• “With your vivarium, you can observe small animals such as ants and earthworms or larger animals such as lizards.” (paragraph 2)

• “Remember to feed any animals you place in your vivarium.” (paragraph 11)

• “Part of the reward of having a vivarium is watching all the growth and change of the life forms within.” (paragraph 12)

Read these words from paragraph 12.

A final tip: Don’t overfill your vivarium!

Why did the author probably include this information?

• Vivariums are usually too large for the plants and animals they contain.

• Vivariums cannot thrive if the plants and animals they contain are too small.

• People new to building vivariums don’t know which plants and animals to include.

• People new to building vivariums are tempted to load them with plants and animals.

   

Which sentence from the article best supports the idea that carefully planning an environment is very important when designing a vivarium?

•    “It will also give the animals that live there something to live on and dig in.” (paragraph 3)

•    “For example, a desert plant will not do well in the same conditions that a frog needs to thrive.” (paragraph 5)

• Once you’ve decided on the plants and animals, start building the environment for the vivarium.” (paragraph 6)

• If your lid is not clear, you will need to install a light inside the vivarium.” (paragraph 9)