Quiz on Octopus Defense Mechanisms

What is the primary defense mechanism of an octopus mentioned in the passage?

• Changing color to blend with the environment

• Using its teeth and horns to fight predators

• Squirting clouds of ink to confuse predators

• Performing autotomy to escape from predators

According to the passage, what is the ink cloud primarily composed of?

• Chromatophores

• Melanin

• Poisonous chemicals

• Seawater

What ability do some octopi, like the mimic octopus, have that is mentioned in the passage?

• They can detach a tentacle to distract predators.

• They can squirt ink clouds of different colors.

• They can change their skin color to resemble other animals.

• They can regenerate lost limbs instantly.

What is autotomy, as described in the passage?

• The ability to regenerate lost limbs later

• The ability to change color rapidly

• The ability to release a cloud of ink

• The ability to detach a limb to escape a predator

What do chromatophores allow an octopus to do?

• Squirt ink

• Change skin color

• Perform autotomy

• Regenerate limbs

Which of the following sentences from the passage best expresses the main idea?

• The most well-known of the octopus’s defense mechanisms is its ability to squirt clouds of ink into the water.

• Some people say that the best defense is a good offense; an octopus, however, would disagree.

• Another defense mechanism possessed by many octopi is the ability to change color, much like a chameleon.

• When it wants to get away, the octopus has an impressive arsenal of tricks at its disposal.

The author claims in paragraph 1 that an octopus would disagree with the statement "the best defense is a good offense" because

• octopi employ more defensive than offensive capabilities

• octopi possess good defensive and offensive capabilities

• octopi can protect themselves from teeth, horns, and claws

• not all octopi possess the same defense mechanisms

Which of the following statements best describes the organizational structure of paragraphs 2-4?

• The author lays out several reasons to support the argument that the octopus has the best defense mechanisms of any sea creature.

• The author devotes one paragraph each to explaining three different defense mechanisms possessed by the octopus.

• The author devotes one paragraph each to highlighting three potential threats to the octopus and how the octopus deals with each one differently.

• The author compares and contrasts three different defense mechanisms employed by the octopus.

According to the passage, which of the following statements about the chemical melanin are true?

• I only

• I and II only

• I, II and III only

• II and III only

As used in paragraph 4, which of the following is the best synonym for unfettering?

• freeing

• regrowing

• amputating

• sacrificing