An ocelot is an animal from the cat family that lives in South America, Central America, and South Texas. Ocelots are nocturnal; they like to spend their days sleeping in bushes and fields. Their coats allow them to blend in. The ocelot earned the nickname “ghost cat” for the ability to camouflage. At one time, coats made from ocelot furs sold for as much as 40,000 dollars. The species, however, is in decline, and it is no longer legal to bring ocelots or their skins into the US.

describes a problem and a solution

• information is organized by the order in which it occurs (instructions, directions, etc.). These passages do not occur at any specific time

Hunters originally thought that wolves in Yellowstone Park were a problem to deer and the surrounding ecosystem. When the wolf population was killed off, the results were surprising. The wolves had kept the deer population in check for decades. Due to the lack of predators, the deer experienced an unexpected population explosion. The increased number of deer consumed Yellowstone’s vegetation quickly, all but collapsing the entire ecosystem. Although hunters may have originally thought that killing wolves were an answer, wolves had provided a much-needed role at the Yellowstone Park.

provides a detailed description

Bacteria has always been a risk for people. For years, scientists have searched for new ways to resist bacteria. Recently, they turned to an odd source: sharks! Scientists noticed that sharks stay bug-free as they move through the ocean. Algae and parasites found in the ocean stay away from the shark’s unique skin. The pattern of skin on sharks, called dentricles, repel unwanted micro- organisms. Scientists decided to copy the pattern onto a film. This film is now available and can be applied to materials to help people in everyday life. Hospitals, restaurants, and public bathrooms all benefit from sharks.

Bats and birds both have wings. Yet, bats are quite different from birds. Bats are flying mammals. Bats do not have beaks and do not lay eggs. Most bats have teeth which help them when eating. They are also active at nighttime. Birds, on the other hand, are feathered, winged animals. They have beaks, with no teeth, and they lay eggs. Birds are active during the day. Although bats and birds have different traits, both animals help the environment with seed dispersal and pollination.

discusses similarities and differences about two or more things

An Asian elephant, named Lucky, was born in India in 1960. Shipped to America in 1962, Lucky, found a home at the San Antonio Zoo. Lucky shared her exhibit with another elephant named Boo for decades. In March 2013, Boo died at 59 years old. The following year Lucky showed signs of stress when other elephants were introduced to her exhibit. She remained alone until June of 2016 when Ringling Brothers Circus brought Nicole, a 40-year-old Asian elephant, to live with Lucky. So far, Lucky has found Nicole to be a satisfactory companion.

Original zoos showcased animals to a curious public. Although animals were central to the business, animal well-being was not always a priority. As naturalists noticed animal species declining in the wild, they asked zoos to work for the animals instead of having the animals work for the zoo. Answering the naturalists’ calls, zoos began to change. Instead of presenting animals to the public, zoos began serving the animals instead. Using captive species, zoo resources, and knowledge of raising exotic animals, zoos worked to save threatened species. The role of of zoos changed drastically. Zoos became leaders in animal conservation and species survival.

explains reasons why something happens and/or the effects of something

Animals are making adjustments due to climate change. Global warming has a direct effect on bears’ habitat. Grizzly bears in western Canada and the United States, are moving north as their environment warms. Polar bears are spending more time south as their Arctic ice melts. Global warming has caused bears’ habitats to begin to overlap. Grizzly bears and polar bears are meeting and are creating anew, rare breed. The result is the "pizzly bear" or "grolar bear." This polar-grizzly hybrid is a result of climate change.

If you happen upon a Blue Tongue Skink, you may find it quite scary

at first glance, but closer inspection will leave you in awe. The Blue Tongue Skink is a type of lizard found only in Australia. Much like other lizards, the Blue-Tongue has a cylindrical body and a tapering tail. When frightened, this skink shows his bright blue tongue to scare predators. If being chased, it can drop its tail, and later re-grow a portion of it. The beautiful eyes of a skink are complex and human-like. The Blue Tongue Skink, although intimidating at first, is quite an interesting specimen to behold.

While working at the zoo, you will present the Madagascan Hissing Cockroach. Follow the instructions for optimal animal safety. First, go to the “Bug Room” and locate the roach enclosure. Choose a container for the roaches. Put a small amount of water in one of the water bowls and place it in the carrier. Next, choose a roach. Lift the cockroach out of its carrier by gently placing your thumb on the back and place your other fingers on the side, allowing the cockroach to rest its feet on your hand. Finally, once the roach is securely in the carrier, take it to the location to present.

How are a carnivore and an herbivore different? A carnivore's teeth are long, sharp, and pointed. Since carnivores eat meat, their teeth are used for tearing flesh. Their jaws move up and down. Herbivores teeth are flat-edged. Since they eat vegetation, their teeth are used for biting and grinding. An herbivore’s jaws move both up and down and side to side. These are not the only differences between animals that eat meat and animals that eat vegetation. For example, carnivores drink by lapping with their tongue; herbivores drink by sucking water up into their mouths. Carnivores and herbivores have quite a bit in common, but their differences are noticeable.

What week are we in the 2nd 9 weeks?