Why Do Animals Play

What is the main idea of the text?

• Animals learn many key life skills when they play.

• Animals will get angry when others play too wildly.

• The main purpose of play is for animals to enjoy themselves.

• It is important for animals to teach their young how to play safely.

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

• "Why do animals play? For the same reason YOU play --because it's FUN!"

• "For animals in the wild, play is important to their survival."

• "If one youngster plays too rough, the others will let him know they are unhappy with his behavior."

• "Watch out! Be careful! You've heard parents or teachers say these things when you play."

What is the meaning of the word confuse in paragraph 4?

• feel excitement or thrill about something that is about to happen

• find pleasure of amusement in behavior of others

• make someone afraid or frightened

• make someone unable to understand or act

Which two quotations explain why some animals wrestle when they play?

• "The cubs are not trying to hurt each other"

• 
  "This is practice for the real thing."

• So, they must learn to communicate."

• "Each youngster is building its strength and skills."

• The kids bump each other and butt heads in fun."

How are the sentences in paragraph 9 connected?

• The sentences use sequence to show the steps that young dolphins take to find and eat seaweed with their snouts.

• The sentences use compare and contrast to show how young dolphins and humans are similar because they both play with toys.

• The sentences use cause and effect to explain how young dolphins improve their ability to swim by playing games.

• The sentences use cause and effect to explain why human children teach young dolphins how to play with seaweed.

What does the author mean by the phrase "keep their footing" in paragraph 11?

• break bones in their feet

• kick with their feet

• run quickly with their feet

• stay on their feet

Which quotation from the text supports the author's point that play can help animals learn how to get along?

• "The other cub bats back with its paws and wiggles free."

• "As they play, both pups hold their mouths slightly open. That's how they tell each other 'yes, we are still playing!'"

• "Wild dolphins are very curious. They explore their world, looking for interesting items."

• "Even when everyone cooperates, play can get dangerous."