RI 8

Would You Like a Liger?

Biologists have found that about 10 percent of animal species may sometimes breed with other species. This means that two animals of different species can produce offspring. Scientists have discovered more of these animals in the last 25 years. One example of a hybrid animal is the mule, which is a cross between a donkey and a horse.

It is more difficult for hybrid species to survive in the wild, however. Occasionally, species that are too different genetically might mate in nature. Many babies that come from the different species are unable to reproduce. This means that the hybrid species cannot grow in number. Zorses, which are a hybrid of a horse and a zebra, and mules, are two examples of species that cannot reproduce. Another problem that hybrid species have is that they face competition from the members of their parent species.

There are also positive things about producing hybrid species in the wild. Hybrids may develop adaptations to conditions that neither of their parents was able to live in. This could happen because of new gene combinations being produced in hybrids. Scientists have studied the adaptation of hybrid species using sunflower and honeysuckle plants.

Two common species of sunflower are the common sunflower and the prairie sunflower, and both species only grow in moist soil. Their hybrids can grow in desert climates and salt marshes, however. When parent sunflowers were planted in the desert, they failed to survive. Results of the studies done with plants are comparable to similar things that have happened in animals. The studies of animal and plant hybrids could help us discover how humans have adapted.

Read this sentence from the passage.

When parent sunflowers were planted in the desert, they failed to survive.

Based on this statement, what is the author suggesting?

• Parent species may be less able to adapt than their hybrid offspring.

• Parent species will be unable to adapt after their offspring are born.

• Hybrids are born without the ability to adapt to the parents' conditions.

• Hybrid species will be wiped out by lack of adaptation in several years.

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Would You Like a Liger?

Biologists have found that about 10 percent of animal species may sometimes breed with other species. This means that two animals of different species can produce offspring. Scientists have discovered more of these animals in the last 25 years. One example of a hybrid animal is the mule, which is a cross between a donkey and a horse.

It is more difficult for hybrid species to survive in the wild, however. Occasionally, species that are too different genetically might mate in nature. Many babies that come from the different species are unable to reproduce. This means that the hybrid species cannot grow in number. Zorses, which are a hybrid of a horse and a zebra, and mules, are two examples of species that cannot reproduce. Another problem that hybrid species have is that they face competition from the members of their parent species.

There are also positive things about producing hybrid species in the wild. Hybrids may develop adaptations to conditions that neither of their parents was able to live in. This could happen because of new gene combinations being produced in hybrids. Scientists have studied the adaptation of hybrid species using sunflower and honeysuckle plants.

Two common species of sunflower are the common sunflower and the prairie sunflower, and both species only grow in moist soil. Their hybrids can grow in desert climates and salt marshes, however. When parent sunflowers were planted in the desert, they failed to survive. Results of the studies done with plants are comparable to similar things that have happened in animals. The studies of animal and plant hybrids could help us discover how humans have adapted.

What does the statement "Results of the studies done with plants are comparable to similar things that have happened in animals" mean?

• Humans are unable to produce hybrid offspring like animals.

• Plant hybrids are more able to adapt than animal hybrids.

• Animals and plants are able to adapt but humans are not.

• Animal hybrids and plant hybrids are both able to adapt.

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Chinchillas

Chinchillas are small rodents that are native to the Andes Mountains of South America. They are named after the Chincha people, who once made garments from the small animals' fur. Today, chinchillas are often bred in the United States and sold as pets.

In the wild, chinchillas eat fruits, seeds, plants, and small bugs, but domestic chinchillas are unable to digest these things. Chinchillas bred as pets eat hay and are kept in cages much like mice. Chinchillas also need lots of exercise in their habitat, and they need small chew toys to keep their teeth short.

Chinchillas have also been used in research of the auditory, or hearing, system. Chinchillas are used as models for this research because their hearing ability is similar to that of humans. Scientists have studied chinchillas to learn how the cochlea, a structure in the inner ear, functions.

Which statement from the passage supports the idea that chinchillas are useful in science?

• Chinchillas also need lots of exercise in their habitat, and they need small chew toys to keep their teeth short.

• Chinchillas are used as models for this research because their hearing ability is similar to that of humans.

• They are named after the Chincha people, who once made garments from the small animals' fur.

• In the wild, chinchillas eat fruits, seeds, plants, and small bugs, but domestic chinchillas are unable to eat these things.

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CCSS.RI. 9-10.2

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Chinchillas

Chinchillas are small rodents that are native to the Andes Mountains of South America. They are named after the Chincha people, who once made garments from the small animals' fur. Today, chinchillas are often bred in the United States and sold as pets.

In the wild, chinchillas eat fruits, seeds, plants, and small bugs, but domestic chinchillas are unable to digest these things. Chinchillas bred as pets eat hay and are kept in cages much like mice. Chinchillas also need lots of exercise in their habitat, and they need small chew toys to keep their teeth short.

Chinchillas have also been used in research of the auditory, or hearing, system. Chinchillas are used as models for this research because their hearing ability is similar to that of humans. Scientists have studied chinchillas to learn how the cochlea, a structure in the inner ear, functions.

Read this sentence from the passage.

In the wild, chinchillas eat fruits, seeds, plants, and small bugs, but domestic chinchillas are unable to digest these things.

Based on this statement, what is the author suggesting?

• Chinchillas who are removed from the wild will not survive in a domestic habitat.

• Chinchillas should only be kept as pets by the Chincha people in South America.

• Chinchillas who are kept as pets will get sick from eating the same diet as wild chinchillas.

• Chinchillas bred by the Chincha people are able to adapt better in foreign environments.

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Micro Pig

Most people have probably heard that pigs are smarter than dogs. Studies have shown that pigs are thought to have the intelligence of a 3-year-old human child. A Penn State study showed that pigs can play video games that use joysticks. In fact, they proved to be better at the games than some members of the chimp family. The same study revealed that pigs could be taught to recognize and use objects, like a Frisbee or a dumb bell, and still remember them three years later. University of Illinois scientists conducted a study in which pigs used trial and error to figure out how to turn the heat on and off in a cold barn.

Although we might find a pig's intelligence to be impressive, most of us would be unlikely to allow a full-grown one to live in our homes. People who would consider a pig for a pet are in luck. Micro pigs are the latest craze in unusual pets. But don’t think of them as purse or pocket pigs! They grow to be about 40 to 65 pounds, the size of many adult dogs. Because pigs have hair instead of fur, they might actually prove to be better pets for people with allergies. They can be trained to use a litter box, and most owners say they’re clean animals.

However, do your research before choosing a pig as a pet. Pigs can be destructive if they don’t have the companionship, attention, stimulation, and boundaries they require. Pigs are social animals, and some breeders only sell them in pairs.

Which statement from the article supports the idea that having a micro pig as a pet is a bad idea?

• The same study revealed that pigs could be taught to recognize and use objects, like a Frisbee or a dumb bell, and still remember them three years later.

• University of Illinois scientists conducted a study in which pigs used trial and error to figure out how to turn the heat on and off in a cold barn.

• Because pigs have hair instead of fur, they might actually prove to be better pets for people with allergies.

• Pigs can be destructive if they don't have the companionship, attention, stimulation, and boundaries they require.

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Micro Pig

Most people have probably heard that pigs are smarter than dogs. Studies have shown that pigs are thought to have the intelligence of a 3-year-old human child. A Penn State study showed that pigs can play video games that use joysticks. In fact, they proved to be better at the games than some members of the chimp family. The same study revealed that pigs could be taught to recognize and use objects, like a Frisbee or a dumb bell, and still remember them three years later. University of Illinois scientists conducted a study in which pigs used trial and error to figure out how to turn the heat on and off in a cold barn.

Although we might find a pig's intelligence to be impressive, most of us would be unlikely to allow a full-grown one to live in our homes. People who would consider a pig for a pet are in luck. Micro pigs are the latest craze in unusual pets. But don’t think of them as purse or pocket pigs! They grow to be about 40 to 65 pounds, the size of many adult dogs. Because pigs have hair instead of fur, they might actually prove to be better pets for people with allergies. They can be trained to use a litter box, and most owners say they’re clean animals.

However, do your research before choosing a pig as a pet. Pigs can be destructive if they don’t have the companionship, attention, stimulation, and boundaries they require. Pigs are social animals, and some breeders only sell them in pairs.

What does the statement "Studies have shown that pigs are thought to have the intelligence of a 3-year-old human child" mean?

• Dogs and kids could learn a lot from pigs.

• Pigs and dogs are equally smarter than kids.

• Despite being animals, pigs are extremely smart.

• At the age of three, kids are smarter than dogs.

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Micro Pig

Most people have probably heard that pigs are smarter than dogs. Studies have shown that pigs are thought to have the intelligence of a 3-year-old human child. A Penn State study showed that pigs can play video games that use joysticks. In fact, they proved to be better at the games than some members of the chimp family. The same study revealed that pigs could be taught to recognize and use objects, like a Frisbee or a dumb bell, and still remember them three years later. University of Illinois scientists conducted a study in which pigs used trial and error to figure out how to turn the heat on and off in a cold barn.

Although we might find a pig's intelligence to be impressive, most of us would be unlikely to allow a full-grown one to live in our homes. People who would consider a pig for a pet are in luck. Micro pigs are the latest craze in unusual pets. But don’t think of them as purse or pocket pigs! They grow to be about 40 to 65 pounds, the size of many adult dogs. Because pigs have hair instead of fur, they might actually prove to be better pets for people with allergies. They can be trained to use a litter box, and most owners say they’re clean animals.

However, do your research before choosing a pig as a pet. Pigs can be destructive if they don’t have the companionship, attention, stimulation, and boundaries they require. Pigs are social animals, and some breeders only sell them in pairs.

Which statement from the passage supports the idea that micro pigs are good pets?

• Pigs are social animals, and some breeders only sell them in pairs.

• A Penn State study showed that pigs can play video games that use joysticks.

• Although we might find pigs' intelligence to be impressive, most of us would be unlikely to allow a full-grown one to live in our homes.

• They can be trained to use a litter box, and most owners say they're clean animals.

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CCSS.RI.8.2

CCSS.RL.7.1

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CCSS.RL.9-10.2

Micro Pig

Most people have probably heard that pigs are smarter than dogs. Studies have shown that pigs are thought to have the intelligence of a 3-year-old human child. A Penn State study showed that pigs can play video games that use joysticks. In fact, they proved to be better at the games than some members of the chimp family. The same study revealed that pigs could be taught to recognize and use objects, like a Frisbee or a dumb bell, and still remember them three years later. University of Illinois scientists conducted a study in which pigs used trial and error to figure out how to turn the heat on and off in a cold barn.

Although we might find a pig's intelligence to be impressive, most of us would be unlikely to allow a full-grown one to live in our homes. People who would consider a pig for a pet are in luck. Micro pigs are the latest craze in unusual pets. But don’t think of them as purse or pocket pigs! They grow to be about 40 to 65 pounds, the size of many adult dogs. Because pigs have hair instead of fur, they might actually prove to be better pets for people with allergies. They can be trained to use a litter box, and most owners say they’re clean animals.

However, do your research before choosing a pig as a pet. Pigs can be destructive if they don’t have the companionship, attention, stimulation, and boundaries they require. Pigs are social animals, and some breeders only sell them in pairs.

Read this sentence from the passage.

However, do your research before choosing one of these unusual pets.

Based on this statement, what is the author suggesting?

• People who bought micro pigs do so because they did not properly research them before they made the purchase.

• Unusual pets are almost always a bad idea because wild animals should not be confined to our homes and backyards.

• If your home is not large enough for the micro pig to run and play with its mate, you may want to reconsider buying them.

• Although micro pigs may seem like good pets, make sure you know what you're getting into before you buy one.

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Samaaya Music Company

(1) La Opera is the promotion and booking arm of the Samaaya Music Company in Greece. Yesterday, Samaaya Music announced that it had appointed Abiron Jakobe as its new managing director.

(2) Previously, Jakobe was the president of Worldwide Music, a popular music production company. He is a successful and upcoming businessman in the live Grecian music and entertainment industry. Jakobe has helped stage live shows for several top national and international artistes in the world of music.

(3) David Gustaffe, the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Samaaya Music Company, Greece said, "By appointing Abiron Jakobe, the company restates its promise and commitment to maintain its high standards in the music market. It also will strive to build on its services for musicians and music lovers all over the country."

(4) La Opera has produced programs and tours for many famous music artistes and groups. Some of them are Pinkhead, The Roses, Robertson, and Flamingo.

(5) The company also has its own artistes. Some of them are Flagero, Amadeus Roes, The Blue Divers, Danielle Marcus, and Hans Manuel.

Paragraphs 4 and 5 are mostly about...

• the quality of the music shows arranged by La Opera's team.

• La Opera's connection with the Samaaya Music Company.

• La Opera's success and achievements in the field of music.

• music artistes and groups that La Opera has worked with.

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Samaaya Music Company

(1) La Opera is the promotion and booking arm of the Samaaya Music Company in Greece. Yesterday, Samaaya Music announced that it had appointed Abiron Jakobe as its new managing director.

(2) Previously, Jakobe was the president of Worldwide Music, a popular music production company. He is a successful and upcoming businessman in the live Grecian music and entertainment industry. Jakobe has helped stage live shows for several top national and international artistes in the world of music.

(3) David Gustaffe, the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Samaaya Music Company, Greece said, "By appointing Abiron Jakobe, the company restates its promise and commitment to maintain its high standards in the music market. It also will strive to build on its services for musicians and music lovers all over the country."

(4) La Opera has produced programs and tours for many famous music artistes and groups. Some of them are Pinkhead, The Roses, Robertson, and Flamingo.

(5) The company also has its own artistes. Some of them are Flagero, Amadeus Roes, The Blue Divers, Danielle Marcus, and Hans Manuel.

What is the central idea presented in this article?

• Abiron Jakobe has been appointed managing director of Samaaya Music Company.

• Samaaya Music Company only works with its own music artistes.

• Abiron Jakobe is a popular figure in national and international music circles.

• Samaaya Music Company hosts music shows all over the world.

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