"Spongers of the Sea"

22. Part A: According to the passage, which statement best explains how the bottom-dwelling fish in Shark Bay cause a problem for the dolphins?

• A. The fish swim so quickly the dolphins are unable to catch them.

• B. The fish are not nutritious enough to support the health of the dolphins.

• C. The fish travel to other locations during certain times of the year.

• D. The fish do not have a certain body part that allows the dolphins to locate them under the sand.

23. Part B: Which sentence from the passage best supports the correct answer to Part A?

• A. “Dolphins need healthy food. However, the most nutritious fish often hide under the sand on the ocean floor.” (paragraph 3)

• B. “Typically, dolphins can locate these fish easily because a part of the fish’s body creates an echo that dolphins can hear. But in Shark Bay, the bottom-dwelling fish do not have that body part.” (paragraph 3)

• C. “Once a fish is scared out of hiding, it will dart around the water before reburying itself in the ocean sand." (paragraph 6)

• D. “Scientists notice interesting behavior patterns among sponging dolphins.” (paragraph 7)

24. Which idea from the passage is illustrated by the photograph?

• A. Bottom-dwelling fish in Shark Bay may be hard for dolphins to find.

• B. Researchers think dolphins are more intelligent than many other animals.

• C. Dolphins use their rostrums to help them locate food in the ocean.

• D. Shark Bay dolphins fit sponges over their rostrums before searching for fish.

25. What do the details in paragraphs 4-7 help the reader understand about behavior patterns among sponging dolphins? Select TWO answers.

• A. Researchers are uncertain why dolphins fit sponges over their rostrums.

• B. Sponging dolphins are capable of using tools to help them solve problems and hunt for food.

• C. Sponging dolphins have unique behavior patterns that can be explained through research.

• D. Sponging dolphins are very isolated and do not socialize with one another.

• E. Researchers are looking for ways to help dolphins find food on the sandy ocean floor.

26. With which statement would the authors of both passages ("Keeping Cool" and "Spongers of the Sea") agree?

• A. Studying animals helps researchers learn why animals do what they do.

• B. Animals often act in ways that cannot be explained.

• C. The senses of animals are better developed than those of humans.

• D. Hot weather affects an animal’s food supply and comfort.

27. Based on the information in both passages ("Keeping Cool" and "Spongers of the Sea"), what characteristic best describes both koalas and dolphins?

• A. They are in danger due to the harsh conditions they live in.

• B. They are fearful of predators and researchers studying their habitats.

• C. They are intelligent and capable of using their surroundings to survive.

• D. They are responsible mothers that teach and care for their babies.