Question

many kinds of animals and plants make their homes in the kalahari desert. they have found ways to stay cool and get enough water. one type of animal that lives in this desert is the kalahari lion. male kalahari lions have black manes. these lions hunt other desert animals. most of the animals that they hunt are small, so they have no trouble finding food. another animal that lives in this desert is the gemsbok. this is a large antelope with long, thin horns. gemsboks can go for a long time without drinking water. they get the water they need from the plants they eat. many types of plants live in the kalahari, too. one important type is the camelthorn tree. this tree makes nutrients for other plants, and those plants become food for animals. the camelthorn tree also offers shade for animals to rest in.

1. what is a gemsbok?

a a tree
b a lion
c a plant
d a large antelope

1. how does the kalahari lion compare to other lions?

a it is larger than other lions.
b it hunts at night unlike other lions.
c it eats smaller animals than other lions.
d it does not have a mane.

1. how are animals able to survive in the kalahari desert? ________
2. would you like to visit the kalahari desert? explain why or why not. ________

Explanation:

1. The text says "This is a large antelope with long, thin horns. Gemsboks can go for a long time without drinking water." So gemsbok is a large antelope.
2. The text mentions "Male Kalahari lions have black manes. These lions hunt other desert animals. Most of the animals that they hunt are small, so they have no trouble finding food." So it eats smaller animals than other lions.
3. The text states "Many kinds of animals and plants make their homes in the Kalahari Desert. They have found ways to stay cool and get enough water."
4. This is a personal preference question. For example, if one likes nature and unique adaptations, they might want to visit. If they don't like hot and arid environments, they might not.

Answer:

1. D. a large antelope
2. C. It eats smaller animals than other lions.
3. Many kinds of animals and plants have found ways to stay cool and get enough water.
4. (Personal answer, e.g.) Yes, because I want to see the unique plants and animals and their adaptations. / No, because it is too hot and arid.