Interactive Reading — Nature

Camouflage is an adaptation that helps animals avoid detection by blending in with their surroundings. Some species, such as the Arctic hare, change colour with the seasons — white in winter to match snow, brown in summer to match soil and vegetation. The Arctic hare changes colour to ___. A) attract mates during breeding season B) blend in with its changing surroundings C) warn predators that it is dangerous D) regulate its body temperature

Coral reefs are sometimes called the rainforests of the sea because of the extraordinary biodiversity they support. Although they cover less than one per cent of the ocean floor, they are home to approximately twenty-five per cent of all known marine species. Coral reefs support a high level of biodiversity despite ___. A) covering most of the ocean floor B) being found only in cold waters C) covering less than one per cent of the ocean floor D) lacking any plant life

Migration is a survival strategy used by many animal species. Birds, whales, and butterflies travel thousands of kilometres to reach areas with better food supplies, warmer temperatures, or safer breeding conditions. The journey is often dangerous, with many animals dying along the way. Animals migrate primarily to ___. A) escape human activity B) find better conditions for survival C) explore new territories permanently D) compete with other species

Bees play a critical role in agriculture by pollinating crops as they move from flower to flower collecting nectar. Without bee pollination, many fruits, vegetables, and nuts would fail to produce, threatening food supplies worldwide. The recent decline in bee populations has alarmed scientists and farmers alike. The decline in bee populations is alarming because bees ___. A) produce honey for commercial sale B) pollinate crops essential for food production C) control insect pests in gardens D) provide wax for industrial use

The Amazon rainforest produces roughly twenty per cent of the world's oxygen and stores an enormous amount of carbon in its trees and soil. Deforestation in the Amazon not only threatens thousands of species that live there but also accelerates global climate change. Deforestation in the Amazon accelerates climate change by ___. A) increasing oxygen production B) creating more farmland C) releasing stored carbon into the atmosphere D) reducing water pollution

Deep-sea organisms have developed remarkable adaptations to survive in complete darkness, extreme cold, and crushing pressure. Many produce their own light through bioluminescence, using it to attract prey, communicate with mates, or confuse predators in the pitch-black environment. Deep-sea organisms use bioluminescence to ___. A) navigate to the surface B) attract prey and communicate C) absorb sunlight for energy D) warm their surroundings