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The Orangutan — Reading Comprehension

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MS-LS4-D
MS-LS1-1

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This engaging science reading passage, titled "The Orangutan: Red Ape of the Rainforest," introduces students to one of the world's most iconic and unique primates. Aligned with NGSS Life Science standards, particularly MS-LS4-D (Biodiversity and Humans) and MS-LS2-4 (Ecosystem Dynamics, Functioning, and Resilience), the passage highlights the Orangutan's meaning ("person of the forest"), distinctive reddish fur, and its highly arboreal lifestyle in the rainforests of Borneo and Sumatra. It details their intelligence, diet, and unique nest-building behavior. Crucially, the text emphasizes their critically endangered status due to rapid habitat destruction, primarily for palm oil plantations. This resource is excellent for fostering reading comprehension, expanding vocabulary related to primate characteristics and ecosystems, and encouraging awareness about deforestation, endangered species, and the vital need for conservation efforts to protect biodiversity.

CONTENT PREVIEW

Imagine an ape with shaggy, reddish-brown hair and incredibly long arms, swinging gracefully through the trees. This is the Orangutan, whose name beautifully translates to "person of the forest" in Malay. These magnificent unique animalsare the largest tree-dwelling (or arboreal) mammals on Earth and are native only to the lush rainforests on the islands of Borneo and Sumatra in Southeast Asia.

Orangutans are easily recognized by their distinct reddish fur and powerful, long arms that can stretch over seven feet! Male orangutans can also develop large cheek pads called "flanges," which signify their maturity and dominance. They spend nearly all their lives high in the canopy, using their impressive strength and agility to move from branch to branch, rarely touching the ground.

As primates, Orangutans are highly intelligent, using tools and showing complex problem-solving sk

ills. They are primarily fruit-eaters (frugivores), but also enjoy leaves, bark, and insects. Each night, an orangutan builds a new nest high in the trees, bending branches to create a safe, cozy sleeping platform.

Sadly, all species of Orangutan are now critically endangered. Their precious rainforest habitat is being destroyed at an alarming rate, primarily for the expansion of palm oil plantations, logging, and mining. This rapid deforestation is pushing these gentle "persons of the forest" to the brink of extinction. Intensive conservation efforts are vital to protect these intelligent, unique animals and preserve the incredible biodiversity of their rainforest homes.

Fun Fact: An adult male orangutan's arm span can be over twice his height, allowing him to swing easily through the rainforest canopy!

What does "Orangutan" mean in Malay?

Wise monkeyPerson of the forestRed apeTree dweller

Where are Orangutans native to?

AfricaSouth AmericaBorneo and SumatraAustralia

What does "arboreal" mean for Orangutans?

They live underground.They live mostly in trees.They live in water.They live in deserts.

What is the primary diet of Orangutans?

MeatInsectsFruitsGrasses

What unique shelter do Orangutans build each night?

A caveA new tree nestA ground burrowA simple lean-to

What is the biggest threat to Orangutans?

HuntingClimate changePalm oil deforestationDisease

What is the main idea of this passage?

Orangutans are common pets.Orangutans are unique, endangered arboreal apes from Southeast Asia.Orangutans are only found in zoos.Orangutans eat only leaves.

Why is their habitat being destroyed for "palm oil plantations"?

For new housing.For a type of edible oil.For tourism. For cattle ranching.