Comprehension
How are male and female anglerfish different?
Females are larger and have a glowing lure; males are much smaller and do not glow.
Which details in the paragraph help you understand why the deep ocean is an extreme place to live?
Answers vary: Details include crushing pressure, frigid temperatures, and near-total darkness.
What does the word adaptations mean in this paragraph? Use context clues from the text.
Adaptations means special features or changes that help the anglerfish survive in its environment.
How does bioluminescence act as both a beacon and a trap?
The light attracts animals like a beacon, then traps them when they move too close.
Why are blue and green light effective colors in deep water?
Blue and green light travel farther through deep water than other colors.
How do the words “crushing pressure” and “frigid temperatures” affect your understanding of where the anglerfish lives?
Answers vary: These words show the environment is harsh and dangerous, making survival difficult.
What is an esca, and what role does it play in the anglerfish’s survival?
An esca is a long rod on the anglerfish’s head with a glowing lure that helps attract prey.
How does the anglerfish’s expandable stomach help it survive in its environment?
The expandable stomach allows the anglerfish to eat large prey when food is available.
What kinds of animals does the anglerfish eat?
The anglerfish eats small fish, crustaceans, and other sea creatures.
How does the author explain that the lure attracts prey?
The author explains that the anglerfish moves the lure to look like a small animal, attracting prey.
What does the word distinctive mean as it is used in this paragraph?
Distinctive means special or different from others.
What does the word unpredictable tell you about food availability in the deep ocean?
Unpredictable shows that food is not always available in the deep ocean.
Why might the anglerfish’s glowing lure be especially useful in the deep ocean?
Because there is very little light in the deep ocean, the glow stands out and is easy for prey to notice.
Which words or phrases show how quickly the anglerfish captures its prey?
Phrases such as “astonishing speed” and “strikes” show how quickly it captures prey.
What is bioluminescence, and how does the text explain this process?
Bioluminescence is the ability to produce light through chemical reactions inside the body.
Why is bioluminescence described as a survival strategy?
Bioluminescence helps the anglerfish find food and survive in a dark environment.