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Przewalski's Horse — Reading Comprehension

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MS-LS4-D
MS-LS1-1

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This engaging science reading passage, titled "Przewalski's Horse: A Wild Comeback Story," introduces students to the truly unique and historically significant Przewalski's horse. Aligned with NGSS Life Science standards, particularly MS-LS4-D (Biodiversity and Humans), the passage highlights its distinction as the last remaining true wild horse species, never having been domesticated. It describes its physical characteristics, adaptations to the harsh Mongolian steppes, and the dramatic journey from being declared extinct in the wild to its remarkable reintroduction through dedicated conservation efforts. The text emphasizes this success story as a symbol of hope for endangered species and the importance of preserving biodiversity. This resource is excellent for fostering reading comprehension, expanding vocabulary related to animal conservation and classification, and inspiring appreciation for wildlife recovery initiatives.

CONTENT PREVIEW

Imagine a horse that has never been ridden or tamed by humans, a truly wild spirit. That's Przewalski's horse(pronounced shuh-VAL-skee), also known as the Mongolian wild horse or Takhi. This incredibly unique animal holds a special place in history as the last surviving subspecies of true wild horse on Earth. Unlike other "wild" horses like mustangs, which are descended from domesticated horses, Przewalski's horse has never been domesticated.

These stocky, powerful horses are built for endurance. They have a distinctive dun or sandy-brown coat, a darker stripe down their back, a short, upright mane that stands straight up, and no forelock (the hair between their ears). These adaptations help them survive in harsh, open grasslands.

For many years, this magnificent creature faced a bleak future. By the late 1960s, Przewalski's horse was declared extinct in the wild, meaning there were no wild populations left. Only a small number survived in zoos around the world, descendants of just 12 wild horses. This was a critical moment for conservation.

Thanks to dedicated conservation efforts and careful breeding programs in zoos, a remarkable rewilding success story began. Starting in the 1990s, groups of these rare animals were reintroduced into their native Central Asia habitat, the vast Mongolian steppes. Today, wild herds once again roam free, a testament to what is possible when humans work to protect endangered species and restore biodiversity. This wild horse's return is a symbol of hope for wildlife everywhere.

Fun Fact: Przewalski's horses have 66 chromosomes, while all other domestic horses have 64. This unique difference shows they are a truly separate wild species!

What is another name for Przewalski's horse?

Domestic horseMongolian wild horseAmerican mustangArabian horse

What makes Przewalski's horse a "true wild horse"?

It has a unique color.It has never been domesticated.It lives in deserts.It runs very fast.

What kind of mane does Przewalski's horse have?

Long and flowingBraidedShort and uprightTied with ribbons

What was the conservation status of Przewalski's horse in the 1960s?

ThrivingOverpopulatedExtinct in the wildCommon in zoos

Where is the native habitat of Przewalski's horse?

African savannasSouth American forestsMongolian steppes in Central AsiaNorth American prairies

How did Przewalski's horse return to the wild?

They escaped from farms.They were reintroduced from zoos.They evolved quickly.They were brought from another continent.

What is the main idea of this passage?

Przewalski's horses are easy to train.Przewalski's horse is a wild species with a successful comeback.Przewalski's horses live in zoos only.Przewalski's horses are exactly like domestic horses.

Why is the return of this horse a "comeback story"?

Because it learned new tricks.Because it was nearly extinct in wild.Because it changed its diet.Because it joined a circus.