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The Proboscis Monkey — Reading Comprehension

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MS-LS4-D
MS-LS1-1

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This interactive science reading passage, titled "The Proboscis Monkey: A Monkey with a Mighty Nose!", introduces students to one of the world's most visually distinctive and unique primates. Aligned with NGSS Life Science standards, particularly MS-LS4-D (Biodiversity and Humans), the passage highlights the Proboscis monkey's extraordinary large nose and its specific habitat in Borneo's mangrove and riverine forests. It details their arboreal and semi-aquatic lifestyle, unique adaptations like webbed feet and a specialized digestive system for their herbivorous diet. The text also addresses their critical conservation status as an endangered species due to rapid habitat loss. This resource is excellent for fostering reading comprehension, expanding vocabulary related to primate characteristics and ecosystems, and encouraging awareness about endangered species and the importance of conservation efforts for unique biodiversity.

CONTENT PREVIEW

Imagine a monkey with a nose so big it hangs down past its mouth! That's the extraordinary Proboscis monkey(pronounced pro-BOSS-kis), one of the most unique and recognizable primates in the world. This fascinating unique animal is easy to spot, especially the males, who boast an exceptionally large, fleshy nose that can grow up to 7 inches long!

These long-nosed monkeys are native only to the island of Borneo, where they make their home in the lush rainforests, particularly in mangrove forests and along riverine forests. They are highly arboreal, spending most of their time in the trees, but they are also surprisingly semi-aquatic and excellent swimmers. Their partially webbed feet help them paddle through the water, often leaping into rivers from branches.

Proboscis monkeys have reddish-brown fur on their backs, a creamy belly, and a long tail. Besides their noses, another distinctive feature is their "pot belly," which comes from their specialized herbivore diet. They primarily eat young leaves and unripe fruits. Their digestive system is uniquely adapted to break down these tough foods, which often ferment, causing their bellies to bloat.

These social animals live in groups, often led by a dominant male. Sadly, the Proboscis monkey is an endangered species. Their unique habitat in Borneo's coastal and riverine areas is rapidly shrinking due to deforestation for palm oil plantations and logging. Dedicated conservation efforts are crucial to protect these incredible long-nosed monkeys and ensure the future of Borneo's rich biodiversity.

Fun Fact: Male Proboscis monkeys' big noses are believed to act like a resonating chamber, making their alarm calls louder and more impressive to attract females!

What is the most distinctive feature of the Proboscis monkey?

Its long tailIts colorful furIts large noseIts tiny ears

Where is the Proboscis monkey native to?

AfricaSouth AmericaBorneoAustralia

What kind of forests do Proboscis monkeys prefer?

Desert forestsMangrove and riverine forestsSnowy mountain forestsPine forests

What does "arboreal" mean for the Proboscis monkey?

It lives in water.It lives in trees.It lives underground.It lives on mountains.

What does "semi-aquatic" mean for the Proboscis monkey?

It can fly. It is very fast on land.It spends time in water.It only eats fish.

What do Proboscis monkeys primarily eat?

Meat and insectsLeaves and unripe fruitsFish and crabsSeeds and nuts

What is the main idea of this passage?

Proboscis monkeys are great pets.Proboscis monkeys are unique, endangered primates from Borneo.Proboscis monkeys have tiny bellies.Proboscis monkeys only live alone.

Why is the Proboscis monkey considered an endangered species?

They are hunted for sport.Their habitat is shrinking.They eat too much food.They have too many predators.