IRR Practice

What is the primary habitat of the African spiny mouse?

• Savannah of Africa

• Desert

• Rainforest

• Mountains

Answer explanation

For example, different

kinds of mice scurry on foot across the savannah. One of them is the

African spiny mouse.

How many kinds of African spiny mice are there?

• More than twelve

• Five

• Ten

• Twenty

Answer explanation

The African spiny mouse is not just one kind of mouse. There are more than twelve kinds found in different areas of Africa.

What unique ability do two kinds of African spiny mice have?

• Regrow skin without scarring

• Fly short distances

• Change color

• Swim long distances

Answer explanation

Two kinds of spiny mice can do something that no other mammal can do. They can get rid of skin when trying to escape from the grip of an

enemy. And then they can completely regrow the skin that they lost!

Why are scientists interested in studying African spiny mice?

• To understand how they regrow skin

• To learn about their diet

• To observe their social behavior

• To study their migration patterns

Answer explanation

They want to study these mice more closely, because if they can understand how they are able to regrow skin, scientists may be able to find a way for people to do it too.

What feature is true to the name of the African spiny mouse?

• Sharp, stiff spiny hairs

• Large claws

• Long whiskers

• Brightly colored fur