Use the paragraph below to answer the question.
Sloths are some of the most interesting animals in the world. They are slow-moving mammals that spend most of their time hanging upside down in the trees of Central and South American rainforests. They have a special kind of fur that camouflages them from their predators, and an extra-long curved claw that helps them to hang on tightly to branches. Sloths are mostly nocturnal, sleeping during the day and becoming active at night, when they forage for food. They are expert swimmers and climbers, and can move twice as fast in the water as they do on land. Sloths eat a variety of leaves, buds, and fruits, and occasionally small insects. They have an incredibly slow metabolism, and it can take up to a month for them to digest their food. Sloths are solitary creatures, but you can sometimes find them sleeping in groups or cuddling with one another. While they may seem like lazy animals, they are actually very important to the rainforest ecosystem, spreading seeds, providing homes for other creatures, and helping to keep the trees healthy. Sloths are an amazing species, and we can all be thankful that they are still around.
In 3-4 sentences, identify and explain the evidence that the author uses to support the claim that “Sloths are some of the most interesting animals in the world.”
(4 points)
The author supports the claim that sloths are interesting animals by providing several pieces of evidence. First, they mention that sloths have a special kind of fur that camouflages them from predators, which is intriguing and unique. Additionally, the author points out that sloths have an extra-long curved claw that helps them hang on tightly to branches, showcasing their fascinating physical adaptations. Finally, the author notes that sloths are expert swimmers and climbers, and can move twice as fast in the water as they do on land, highlighting their surprising agility and abilities.
Use the paragraph below to answer the question.
Beavers are an unlikely ally in the fight against wildfires. While beavers are most commonly known for their industrious dam building, they are also surprisingly beneficial to fire prevention. Beavers are able to create their own wetlands and slow the flow of water by damming streams, which in turn reduces the risk of wildfire. By slowing the flow of water, beavers create a buffer zone between the forest and the water source, reducing the risk of the fire spreading. The wetlands created by beavers also act as a firebreak, preventing the fire from spreading further into the forest. Additionally, the moist environment created by beavers helps create a fire-resistant habitat, making it less likely for a fire to take hold in the first place.
In 3-4 sentences, identify and explain an inference you made about beavers based on the passage. Support your answer with text evidence from the passage.
(4 points)