SN The Ugly Truth

According to a study that came out in 2012, animal-protection groups ___.

• pay the most attention to cute animals because people like to buy them

• focus on ugly animals because most people don’t help them

• help both cute and ugly animals equally

• focus on cute creatures because most people like to help them

Which detail from paragraph 4 best helps you understand what the word conservation means?

• “endangered animal species”

• “animal-protection groups”

• “get most of the attention”

• “in danger of dying out”

What is the author’s main point in the section “Who Are You Calling Ugly?”

• Many ugly creatures are endangered and need our help.

• Animal-protection groups are working to save giant pandas.

• All animals, even ugly ones, are important parts of an ecosystem.

• Pangolins have unique adaptations.

Which of the following does the author offer as evidence to support this point?

• an explanation of the effects of the disappearance of frogs on an ecosystem

• a description of how the pangolin protects itself

• a study detailing the animals that conservation groups help

• an explanation of the effects of the disappearance of snakes on an ecosystem

The pangolin’s “ugly” adaptation is its ___.

• large, hard scales

• short hind legs

• 4-inch-long nose

• blobby body

Which detail from the article best explains the purpose of the pangolin’s adaptation?

• “. . . so they don’t have to use a lot of energy chasing their next meal” (paragraph 14)

• “. . . protects it from tigers and other predators.” (paragraph 9)

• “. . . attracts mates and scares off enemies.” (paragraph 13)

• “. . . so it appears to be limping when it walks.” (paragraph 12)

Which choice best describes Lucy Cooke’s point of view about ugly animals?

• She doesn’t think they are very important.

• She wants to save only strange-looking animals.

• She thinks we should focus on helping cute animals.

• She thinks people should protect all animals, ugly ones included.

According to the sidebar, what is the main reason proboscis monkeys are in danger of dying out?

• They are being killed by farmers.

• Predators are wiping them out.

• Their forest habitat is being destroyed.

• They are being hunted too much.