The World’s Biggest Birds

What does the passage suggest about the impact of habitat loss on the ostrich? (Hint: Don’t forget to read the footnote at the end of the text.)

• It causes the ostrich to become endangered.

• It forces the ostrich to migrate to other continents.

• It makes it hard to thrive and have offspring.

• It has no significant impact on the ostrich population.

What can readers infer about emus from the following quote? “They are not afraid to approach unfamiliar things out of interest, exploring them with their beaks and keen eyesight.”

• Emus often get into dangerous situations.

• Emus are intelligent and inquisitive animals.

• Emus are excellent runners.

• Like the ostrich, emus are social animals.

What can be inferred about the casque on the cassowary’s head?

• It is used solely for defense.

• It has no real function and is just for show.

• It may serve more than one purpose.

• It helps cassowaries blend with the fruits and fungi in their habitat.

What might happen if the cassowary did not have its strong legs and claws?

• It would be considered more friendly.

• It might be less effective at defending its territory.

• It would be able to run faster.

• It might communicate better.

Why do you think the author mentions that cassowaries are “the world’s most dangerous bird”?

• To highlight the potential danger they pose to small animals

• To suggest why they dine on fruit and fungi

• To emphasize that they are one of the largest birds on Earth

• To explain that they are dangerous to each other

What can be inferred about the relationship between humans, ostriches, emus, and cassowaries?

• Human activities are the biggest threat to their habitats.

• Humans are fooled into thinking these are friendly birds.

• Humans don’t realize how dangerous and territorial these birds are.

• Humans are indifferent to the presence of these birds.

What major issue can be inferred as affecting all three bird species?

• They are all hunted for their feathers.

• They are all becoming extinct.

• They are all poorly designed to defend themselves from attack.

• They all face threats due to habitat loss.