California Gray Whales

1. According to paragraph two of the text, gray whales may be covered in parasites and other
organisms giving them the appearance of a crusty ocean rock. Which of the following statements best
explains the authors intent?
A. The author provided a description of living organisms that can cover a whales
body.
B. The habit of the gray whale was analyzed by the author.
C. The author compared the appearance of a gray whale to an ocean rock.
D. The author contrasted the appearance of a gray whale to an ocean rock.
2. Which term best describes the words surrounding the images of the whales on the diagrams?
A. Captions
B. Definitions
C. Headings
D. Labels
3. Which of the following colors may be found on a gray whales body?
A. Green
B. Orange
C. Purple
D. Red
4. According to the text, what is the meaning of the term vibrassae?
A. Throat grooves
B. Dorsal ridges
C. Skin encrusted with barnacles
D. Hairy sensory bristles
5. Gray whales are referred to as marine mammals. What is meant by the term marine?
A. Animals that live in water.
B. Animals that live in a group and defend each other.
C. Animals that fight.
D. Animals with sharp teeth.
6. In which location may there possibly be a future marked increase in the gray whale population?
A. Baja Peninsula of Mexico
B. Gulf of California
C. Korea
D. Mediterranean Sea
7. Every October small groups of gray whales migrate from their feeding grounds to the waters of California
and Mexico. Why does this most likely happen?
A. The food supply is gone by October so the whales must leave.
B. Climate changes cause the whales to leave the area.
C. After eating all summer, the whales need the long swim for exercise.
D. There is no particular reason why the whales migrate each year.