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An ocelot is an animal from the cat family that lives in South America, Central America, and South Texas. Ocelots are nocturnal; they like to spend their days sleeping in bushes and fields. Their coats allow them to blend in. The ocelot earned the nickname “ghost cat” for the ability to camouflage. At one time, coats made from ocelot furs sold for as much as 40,000 dollars. The species, however, is in decline, and it is no longer legal to bring ocelots or their skins into the US.

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Hunters originally thought that wolves in Yellowstone Park were a problem to deer and the surrounding ecosystem. When the wolf population was killed off, the results were surprising. The wolves had kept the deer population in check for decades. Due to the lack of predators, the deer experienced an unexpected population explosion. The increased number of deer consumed Yellowstone’s vegetation quickly, all but collapsing the entire ecosystem. Although hunters may have originally thought that killing wolves were an answer, wolves had provided a much-needed role at the Yellowstone Park.

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Bacteria has always been a risk for people. For years, scientists have searched for new ways to resist bacteria. Recently, they turned to an odd source: sharks! Scientists noticed that sharks stay bug-free as they move through the ocean. Algae and parasites found in the ocean stay away from the shark’s unique skin. The pattern of skin on sharks, called dentricles, repel unwanted micro- organisms. Scientists decided to copy the pattern onto a film. This film is now available and can be applied to materials to help people in everyday life. Hospitals, restaurants, and public bathrooms all benefit from sharks.

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Bats and birds both have wings. Yet, bats are quite different from birds. Bats are flying mammals. Bats do not have beaks and do not lay eggs. Most bats have teeth which help them when eating. They are also active at nighttime. Birds, on the other hand, are feathered, winged animals. They have beaks, with no teeth, and they lay eggs. Birds are active during the day. Although bats and birds have different traits, both animals help the environment with seed dispersal and pollination.

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discusses similarities and differences about two or more things

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An Asian elephant, named Lucky, was born in India in 1960. Shipped to America in 1962, Lucky, found a home at the San Antonio Zoo. Lucky shared her exhibit with another elephant named Boo for decades. In March 2013, Boo died at 59 years old. The following year Lucky showed signs of stress when other elephants were introduced to her exhibit. She remained alone until June of 2016 when Ringling Brothers Circus brought Nicole, a 40-year-old Asian elephant, to live with Lucky. So far, Lucky has found Nicole to be a satisfactory companion.

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