Spongers of the Sea

According to the passage, which statement BEST explains how the bottom-dwelling fish in Shark Bay cause a problem for the dolphins?

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

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

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

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

Which sentence from the passage BEST supports the correct answer to Part A?

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

• "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)

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

• "Scientists notice interesting behavior patterns among sponging dolphins" (paragraph 7)

Which idea from the passage is illustrated by the photograph?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

With which statement would the authors of both passages agree?

• Studying animals helps researchers learn shy animals do what they do.

• Animals often act in ways that cannot be explained.

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

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

Based on the information in both passages, what characteristic BEST describes both koalas and dolphins?

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

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

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

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