Uninvited Guests: The Tale of Invasive Species
Do you know that some animals and plants can be quite rude? They arrive in new places, uninvited, take over homes, and push out the ones who lived there first. These are called 'Invasive Species'. They often travel by hitching rides on ships, airplanes, or even people's shoes! One such infamous invader is the Burmese python. Originally from Southeast Asia, these giant snakes have slithered their way into Florida's Everglades. They eat everything from rabbits to alligators, drastically reducing the populations of native animals. But don't lose hope! Scientists and conservationists are fighting back. They track and capture these invaders, research their behaviors, and find ways to control their impact. After all, every creature deserves a home, but not at the cost of pushing others out!
Question 1
What does the term 'Invasive Species' refer to?
Species that are very friendly
Species that migrate frequently
Species that invade and take over the habitats of native species
Explanation. Invasive species are non-native species that invade and disrupt the habitats of native species, often causing harm.
Species that are endangered
Species that are domesticated
Question 2
Why are the Burmese pythons considered invasive in the Everglades of Florida?
They are too small to live there
They cannot adapt to the climate
They are reducing the population of native animals
Explanation. Burmese pythons are considered invasive in the Everglades because they are drastically reducing the populations of native animals by eating them.
They do not eat anything
They are afraid of other animals
Question 3
What are some ways that invasive species travel to new places?
By walking
By flying
By swimming
By hitching rides on ships, airplanes, or people's shoes
Explanation. The passage mentions that invasive species often travel by hitching rides on ships, airplanes, or even on people's shoes.
By digging underground
Question 4
What are scientists and conservationists doing about invasive species?
Ignoring them
Feeding them
They are tracking and capturing these species and researching their behaviors
Explanation. According to the passage, scientists and conservationists are tracking and capturing these invaders, researching their behaviors, and finding ways to control their impact.
They are helping them spread
They are eradicating all of them
Question 5
Where are Burmese pythons originally from?
Africa
North America
Australia
Southeast Asia
Explanation. The text states that the Burmese python is originally from Southeast Asia.
Europe
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