Making Inferences

Making Inferences

Unlikely Animal Friends

1 One of the best things about friendship is having someone you can count on. You help your friends, and they help you. In the animal world, friendship works in the same way. Some of these animal bonds may surprise you! 

2 Would you ever expect a crocodile and a small bird to be buddies? Crocodiles live in rivers filled with tiny worms. These worms attach themselves to the crocodiles’ teeth and gums. Crocodiles can’t get rid of the worms by themselves. So, birds called plovers help them. 

Unlike Animal Friends

5 The plover is not the only animal that cleans the teeth of other animals. Many kinds of fish and shrimp clean the skin and teeth of other animals, too. In fact, some fish and shrimp set up “cleaning stations” and do things to attract fish to them. For example, one small fish stands on its head and does a dance to attract attention. Sometimes there are lines of fish waiting to be cleaned! 

6 Sometimes animals become pals in ways we do not expect. They find ways to work together and help each other. Animals know that having differences can make for a great friendship.

Unlike Animal Friends

3 First, the crocodile climbs onto dry land. Then it opens its mouth very wide. The birds hop right into the crocodile’s mouth. They pick the worms off the crocodile’s teeth and gums for a tasty lunch! In this friendship, the crocodile gets a free teeth cleaning, and the bird gets a full belly. 

4 The crocodile and the bird help each other in other ways. The crocodile protects the bird. No animals will come near the bird while it is close to the crocodile! And the bird uses its excellent vision to protect the crocodile. If an enemy comes near, the bird screeches. Then the crocodile knows to dive back into the water to safety. They make a great team.

Comparing Topic and Main

• Topic                                                                                           

  Know before you read

  Find by looking at titles or table of contents

  One word or phrase

  Describes the subject of the text

•   Main Idea

  Know after you read

  Find by reading the text and finding the most important detail

  Complete sentence

  Describes what the writer is saying about the topic

Determine the Topic and Main Idea

1.    Determine the Topic of Unlikely Animal Friends

2.    Determine the Main Idea of Unlikely Animal Friends.