Snow Leopard Adaptations — Reading Comprehension

Snow leopards are masters of survival in one of Earth’s harshest environments—the high mountains of Central and South Asia. To live in freezing temperatures and steep, rocky terrain, they have developed special adaptations.

One key adaptation is their thick fur. Their grayish-white coat with black rosettes helps them blend into the snow and rocks, making them nearly invisible to prey. Even their wide, furry paws act like snowshoes, spreading their weight so they don’t sink into deep snow.

Another survival tool is their powerful body. Snow leopards have strong hind legs, allowing them to leap farther than any other big cat—up to 50 feet (15 meters) in a single jump! Their long, thick tail helps them balance on narrow cliffs and also works like a scarf, wrapping around their body for warmth when they sleep.

Unlike lions or tigers, snow leopards cannot roar. Instead, they make soft sounds like chuffs, hisses, and growls to communicate. This may help them stay hidden from rivals or prey. They also have large nasal cavities to breathe thin mountain air more easily.

These adaptations make the snow leopard a perfect mountain hunter. Without them, they could not survive the extreme cold, high altitudes, or rocky landscapes they call home.

What is the main purpose of a snow leopard’s thick fur?

How do snow leopards' wide, furry paws help them survive?

Which adaptation allows snow leopards to leap long distances?

What does the snow leopard’s tail help it do? (Vocabulary: Function of a body part)

Why can’t snow leopards roar like lions or tigers?

What is the meaning of the word "rosettes" in the passage? (Vocabulary: Context clues)

What is the main idea of this passage? (Main Idea Question)

How do snow leopards’ nasal cavities help them survive?