The Blobfish — Reading Comprehension

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Grades

Standards

MS-LS4-D
MS-LS2-1

About This Reader

This science reading passage, titled "The Blobfish: A Deep-Sea Mystery," introduces students to one of Earth's most peculiar creatures, making a fascinating connection to NGSS Life Science standards, particularly concerning adaptations to environment (LS4.C) and biodiversity (LS4.D). The passage describes the blobfish's extreme deep-sea habitat, highlighting the immense water pressure it endures. It explains the blobfish's unique physical adaptations, such as its jelly-like body structure, which allows it to survive and thrive in this harsh environment by floating effortlessly and conserving energy. The text also addresses the common misconception about its appearance, clarifying why it looks different at the surface compared to its natural state. By exploring the blobfish's survival strategies, the passage illustrates the incredible diversity of life on Earth and how organisms are perfectly suited to their specific ecological niches. This resource is excellent for developing reading comprehension skills while engaging students with a captivating example of extreme biological adaptation and the wonders of marine biodiversity, sparking curiosity about unexplored parts of our planet.

CONTENT PREVIEW

Imagine an animal that looks like a grumpy, pink blob! That's the Blobfish, one of the ocean's most unusual residents. You won't find this creature swimming near the surface; the blobfish lives deep, deep down in the ocean, off the coasts of Australia, Tasmania, and New Zealand.

Life in the deep sea is very different from life on land or near the surface. Down there, the water pressure is incredibly high – like having many elephants standing on you! To survive this crushing pressure, the blobfish doesn't have strong muscles or a hard skeleton like most fish. Instead, its body is mostly a jelly-like mass. This jelly is less dense than water, which means the blobfish can float just above the seafloor without using much energy. It simply drifts along, waiting for small creatures like crabs and sea pens to float by, which it then gulps down.

Because of its squishy body, the blobfish looks very different when it's brought up to the surface. Without the immense pressure of the deep sea supporting its body, it expands and loses its shape, looking like the sad, melting blob we often see in pictures. In its natural home, however, it's thought to look more like a typical fish, just a very soft one!

The blobfish might look strange, but it's perfectly adapted to its extreme environment. It's a reminder of how diverse and surprising life can be in the hidden parts of our planet.

Fun Fact: The blobfish was once voted the "World's Ugliest Animal" to raise awareness about threatened species!

Where does the blobfish mostly live?

Near the surfaceOn landDeep in the oceanIn rivers

What does the blobfish's body mostly feel like?

Hard rockStrong muscleJellyFeathers

What is special about the blobfish's body that helps it in the deep sea?

It has a hard shell.It is less dense than water.It has strong muscles.It can fly.

What does the blobfish do to eat?

It chases fast fish.It drills for food.It waits for food to float by.It eats plants.

Why does the blobfish look like a "sad, melting blob" at the surface?

It misses its home.The pressure changes.It gets too cold.It doesn't like light.

Why is the blobfish a good example of how diverse life can be?

It lives in a common place.It eats many types of food.It looks and lives uniquely.It is very strong.

What is the main idea of this passage?

Blobfish are the ugliest animals.Deep sea animals are all squishy.The blobfish is a unique deep-sea fish adapted to its home.Scientists study blobfish to make them look better.

If an animal needs a very specific, harsh environment to survive, like the blobfish, what might happen if its home changes even a little?

It will quickly adapt to a new home.It might struggle to survive.It will grow stronger muscles.It will start eating different food.