Keeping Cool and Sponges of the Sea

Read this information about the origin of the word verify: from Latin verus, meaning "true". This information helps the reader know that verified in paragraph 5 of the article "Keeping Cool" means —

• proved

• compared

• observed

• suspected

What is the best summary of the article "Keeping Cool"?

• Koalas are furry mammals that can be found in Australia. Over the years scientists have learned a great deal about these tree-dwelling animals. For example, scientists know that koalas eat eucalyptus leaves and hug trees.

• Scientists wondered why koalas grasp the lower trunks of eucalyptus trees when the temperature rises. By using technology to study koalas, scientists discovered that doing so allowed the koalas to conserve the water in their bodies.

• Scientists used technology to observe koalas that hug trees. The scientists located the animals with radio tags, took photographs of them, and measured their temperatures.

• It is difficult for koalas to live in hot environments because they cannot sweat. They can lick themselves or pant, but these methods can cause them to become dehydrated.

Which idea is supported by information found throughout the article "Keeping Cool"?

• Koalas can dehydrate while trying to stay cool.

• Studying koalas requires special equipment.

• Searching for water is a dangerous activity for koalas.

• Changes in temperature affect the behavior of koalas.

Select the correct answer. Which sentence from paragraph 4 of the selection "Keeping Cool" explains why the tree trunk appears dark in the thermal image?

• The camera measured the air temperatures surrounding the animals wherever they chose to sit.

• Then scientists took photos. The camera made thermal images that showed heat.

• In thermal images, darker colors show cooler temperatures.

• Lighter colors represent hotter temperatures.

Based on the article "Gorgons of the Sea," how do the bottom-dwelling fish in Shark Bay cause a problem for the dolphins?

• The fish swim so quickly the dolphins are unable to catch them.

• The fish are not nutritious enough to support the health of the dolphins.

• The fish travel to other locations during certain times of the year.

• The fish do not have a certain body part that allows the dolphins to locate them.

The author wrote the selection "Spongers of the Sea" most likely to —

• encourage the reader to visit Australia

• describe how dolphins use sponges as tools

• explain to the reader where dolphins find food

• identify which ocean animals live in Shark Bay

Read the question carefully. Then enter your answer in the box provided. What is the most likely reason the author wrote the selection 'Spongers of the Sea'?

• To inform readers about the ecological role of sea sponges

• To entertain readers with stories about sea creatures

• To persuade readers to protect marine life

• To describe the economic importance of sponges

According to the selection "Spongers of the Sea," how do fish protect themselves from dolphins?

• They bury themselves beneath the sand along the sea floor.

• They take cover under sharp rocks and pieces of coral.

• They swim in a darting pattern in the open water.

• They make a ringing noise that tricks dolphins.

Which idea from the selection "Spongers of the Sea" is illustrated by the photograph?

• Bottom-dwelling fish in Shark Bay may be hard for dolphins to find.

• Researchers think dolphins are more intelligent than many other animals.

• Dolphins use their rostrums to help them locate food in the ocean.

• Shark Bay dolphins fit sponges over their rostrums before searching for fish.

In BOTH selections "Keeping Cool" and "Spongers of the Sea" the authors focus their selections on animal behaviors that —

• affect an animal’s diet

• happen only at certain times of year

• demonstrate cooperation

• are important to an animal’s survival