Lead In: The natural World

The Natural World

By MARTIN MONTELONGO

Multiple Choice

This large mammal, which is native to Africa and Asia, has thick gray skin and a trunk that it uses to drink water and pick up food. It is threatened by habitat loss and poaching for its ivory tusks

• elephant

• rhinoceros

• hippopotamus

• buffalo

Multiple Choice

This marine animal, whose name means ‘sea cow’, lives in warm coastal waters and eats seagrass. It is endangered because of boat strikes and fishing nets that trap it accidentally.

• manatee

• dolphin

• sea lion

• walrus

Multiple Choice

This big cat, which is the fastest land animal, can run at speeds of up to 70 mph. Its population is declining due to habitat loss where it hunts for prey.

• jaguar

• leopard

• cheetah

• tiger

Multiple Choice

This bird, that is famous for its colorful feathers and long tail, lives in rainforests that are being cut down. People hunt it for its beautiful plumage

• flamingo

• peacock

• macaw

• eagle

Multiple Choice

This great ape, whose DNA is 98% similar to humans, lives in forests that are disappearing because of deforestation. It is critically endangered due to hunting and diseases.

• baboon

• chimpanzee

• gorilla

• orangutan

Multiple Choice

This critically endangered river dolphin, whose pink coloration comes from blood vessels near its skin, lives in the Amazon. It is threatened by mercury pollution that comes from illegal gold mining.

• coyote

• narwhal

• porpoise

• river dolphin