Key facts
In what year was the northern spotted owl labeled?
1990
What does threatened mean in this story?
At risk of becoming endangered
What is happening to the spotted owl population?
It is declining
Why does logging affect the spotted owl population?
It destroys their habitat
Is this passage nonfiction or fiction?
Nonfiction
Under what law was the owl labeled threatened?
The Endangered Species Act
What does habitat mean?
The natural home or environment of an animal
What is one major problem the owls face?
Why are barred owls a threat?
They compete for food and nesting space
What is the main idea of the article?
Scientists are using technology to help save the spotted owl.
What type of forest do spotted owls live in?
Old-growth forests
What does compete mean?
To struggle against others for resources
What other animal threatens the spotted owl?
The barred owl
Why do scientists use virtual owls?
To test survival under different conditions safely
Why does the author include details about barred owls?
To explain additional threats to survival
What computer program did scientist create?
HexSim
What does preservation mean?
Protecting something from harm or destruction
What solution did scientists create to help the owls?
A computer model (HexSim)
Why must owls have large territories?
They need space to hunt and find resources.
What is the authors purpose?
To inform readers about how technology helps conservation
What does HexSim model?
What happens to wildlife populations under different conditions.
What does territory mean?
An area an animal defends as its own.
How does HexSim help scientists make decisions?
It tests different habitat strategies to see which gives owls the best chance of survival.
What could happen if no preservation strategies are used?
The owl population could continue to decline.
How does the structure of the article help readers understand the issue?
It explains the problem first, then introduces the solution