Shells

How does the box turtle use its shell to protect itself?

Part A:

• It uses the lower section of its shell to close the opening in its shell.

• It pulls its head into the shell and folds its legs in front to form a shield.

• It seals the shell's opening with a hard plate on the end of the foot.

• It rolls up into an armor-plated ball.

Which quotation from the passage supports the answer to Part A?

Part B

• "Box turtles have hinged plastrons..."

• "A turtle can stay inside its shell for hours, waiting for a predator to give up."

• "...pulls its head and its muscular foot inside the shell."

• "...have shells made of eight plates."

Why is it important that animals like turtles, tortoises, snails, and clams have shells?

• They spend much or all of their lives in water.

• The shell is basically a sturdy box made of bone and includes the animal's spine and ribs.

• They can burrow to hide from predators or roll up into a ball.

• The animals can tuck their soft bodies into their shells faster than they can move away from the predator.

What is the meaning of the word variety as used in paragraph 1?

Part A

• Similar

• Species

• Assortment

• Few

Which quotation from the text supports the answer to Part A?

Part B

• "... such as turtles, tortoises, snails, and clams."

• "These bones include the turtle's spines and ribs."

• "Some turtles have just a few scutes embedded into a thick skin on the carapace."

• "Many bivalves burrow deeply in sand or mud to stay hidden from predators, such as seabirds."

What is the meaning of the word tough as used in paragraph 4?

Part A

• able to put up with trouble or hardship

• difficult to do or understand

• not easily influenced

• hard to break; strong; lasting a long time

Which quotation from the text best supports the answer to Part A?

• "Both have shells made of two parts: an upper section called the carapace and the lower section called the plastron."

• "...the same substance that forms hooves and fingernails."

• "Some turtles have just a few scutes embedded in a thick skin on the carapace."

• "It hangs on tightly enough to prevent being washed away by waves."

What is the main idea of the passage?

Part A

• Turtles and tortoises can enclose their body in shells.

• Some slow-moving animals use their shells to protect themselves.

• The outside of the shell is usually made of a tough material called keratin.

• Clams, oysters, and mussels are bivalves, or mollusks with two-part shells.

Which two key details from the passage best supports the answer to part A?

• Many turtles can pull their heads, tails, and legs partly or fully into their shells.

• Many bivalves burrow deeply in sand or mud to stay hidden from predators,.

• Some shells are made of two parts: an upper section called the carapace and a lower section called the plastron.

• If threatened, the snails pulls its head and its muscular foot inside the shell.

• Sea snails have feet that work like suction cups and help them grip rocks firmly.

What is the main idea of the section "Insect Armor?"

• Different kinds of scale insects make different kinds of shells.

• Some insects have soft bodies and benefit from adding an extra layer of protection.

• Snails, clams, mussels, and other mollusks are protected by shells.

• Caterpillars of some moths make a sticky, bumpy covering for their bodies.