LIFE IN THE WILD

From ‘Amazing Animal Kingdom, Life in the Wild’ by Michael Chinary

We are unique in the universe in inhabiting the only planet that is known to have life on it: and what an
extraordinary diversity of life forms there are. Scientists believe there could be between 14 million and
100 million species of animals and plants existing today. They cannot even be sure exactly how many,
because most of these life forms are either too small to find or are dwelling in unexplored places, such as the
tropical rainforest or the deep sea.

The creatures we do know about range from the huge blue whale, weighing up to 150 tons, down to
microscopic creatures so small that several could sit comfortably on the head of a pin. As well as huge
variations in size, animals display an equally wide range of behavior patterns, but what links them all is
they have the same basic need for somewhere to live that will provide them with food and some degree of
protection and shelter. Because individual animals cannot live forever, they all also need to be able to
produce more of their own kind – otherwise the species would die out.

The production of new generations is called reproduction and it usually involves the meeting and mating of
a male and a female of the same species. Some form of communication is necessary to bring the males and
females together. Animals also communicate with each other to warn of danger or to tell each other about
good food sources. Communication is especially well developed among insects, such as ants and many bees
and wasps, which live in colonies and work together for the good of the whole community.
I. Why are we (people) unique in the universe?
1) Because there is an extraordinary diversity of life forms on our planet
2) Because we live on the only planet that is known to have life on it
3) Because we are extraordinary creatures
4) Because the Earth is part of the Solar System

II. Replace the word in bold with the most suitable answer:
‘Most of these life forms are either too small to find or are dwelling in unexplored places, such as the tropical rainforest or the
deep sea.’
1) hunting
2) hiding
3) living
4) mating

III. What do all animals have in common?

1) They display great variations in size and behavior patterns
2) They all lay eggs to produce more of their own kind
3) They all use camouflage
4) They have the same basic need for food and protection

IV. Why do animals need to produce more of their own kind?

1) Because they need to have families
2) Because they need to engage in a sexual intercourse
3) Because otherwise their species will get extinct
4) Because otherwise they will die

V. What does ‘meeting and mating’ mean?

1) Coming together and engaging in a sexual intercourse
2) Hanging out together and horsing around
3) Getting together to play
4) Falling in love with each other

VI. Why do animals communicate with each other?

1) They communicate to exchange information about danger of predators or availability of food
2) They communicate because they like to have small talks
3) They communicate because they live in large communities
4) They communicate in order to express their ideas