Deep-Sea Detectives

According to the text, a volcano erupted more than 8,000 feet underwater between 2003 and 2006. What did this eruption cover nine square miles of the ocean floor with?

• tubeworms

• lava

• crabs

• robotic arms

Hot liquid rock called lava covered nine square miles of ocean floor between 2003 and 2006. Based on the text, what caused the lava?

• a volcano eruption

• deep-sea creatures

• deep-sea vents

• a mid-ocean ridge

What can you conclude based on the evidence provided in the text?

• The volcano was not disruptive to the creatures living there.

• Underwater volcano eruptions usually cover 9 square miles of the ocean floor.

• The researchers did not want to study the volcano until 2006.

• The effects from an underwater volcano eruption can last for a while.

Based on the text, what probably would cause more bacteria to come to ocean floor that was covered in lava?

• less and less sunlight

• more deep-sea vents

• a temperature closer to freezing

• more visits by scientists

What is the main idea of the text?

• The ocean floor at a mid-ocean ridge near Mexico has a temperature of almost freezing.

• The mid-ocean ridges in the world are the most active system of volcanoes on Earth.

• Scientists have been learning how deep-sea creatures come to live on cooled lava.

• An underwater volcano erupted off the coast of Mexico sometime between 2003 and 2006.

As used in these sentences, what does the word "aftermath" mean?

• effects of a disastrous or unfortunate event

• things once used by people that are displayed in a museum

• popular tourist spot visited by many people

• something so small that needs to be magnified to be seen

Choose the answer that best completes the sentence. ______ scientists took a dive to get a close look at the aftermath of an underwater volcano eruption, they made an amazing discovery.

• Instead

• After

• Before

• Although

According to the text, what amazing discovery was made where the eruption took place?

• A new species of fish

• Chemicals from the vents attracted tiny organisms called bacteria

• An unknown underwater mountain

• A hidden treasure chest

Based on the text, what have scientists learned about deep-sea creatures in the 9 square miles covered by the eruption?

• They form a food web with plants and animals depending on each other.

• They are repelled by the toxic chemicals from the vents.

• They are attracted to the heat of the lava.

• They can survive without sunlight.

What role do tubeworms play in the newly formed ecosystem according to the text?

• They create the lava flows.

• They provide a food source for crabs.

• They use the toxic chemicals to scare away predators.

• They feed on the bacteria.