Protecting Our Fox Squirrels
by Trey Loker
1The town of Delmarva, located along the Chesapeake Bay of Virginia, held a public town council meeting. The topic of the evening was the initiative to spend money on protecting the vulnerable populations of the Delmarva Peninsula fox squirrel. Zoologists from the University of Maryland counted these squirrels existing in only eight area counties! The town received a grant from the state of Virginia to aid in its efforts towards protecting this endangered species.
2The following is a written interpretation of what was said by the four citizens who spoke at this town council meeting.
3Parker Henderson, age 54, retired U.S. Navy
I feel that the best way to protect these squirrels is to put up signs along Route 13 to warn drivers to watch out for squirrels and other wildlife. I’ve seen way too much roadkill on that road. Those squirrels don’t stand a chance against a two-ton truck speeding down the road!
4Macy Washington, age 32, marine biologist
We need to buy the forest land and turn it into a wildlife refuge. The National Wildlife Federation has claimed that around 12,000 species are currently endangered. Our precious fox squirrel is one of them. Experts in the field have also proved that wildlife refuges encourage people to volunteer there. This creates even more awareness of this dire situation.
5Jose Mack, age 24, entrepreneur
Have you smelled the air lately? That stink is the prevalent use of pesticides and herbicides that our fellow farmers are spreading all over their fields. It collects like a death ball of haze that kills our sense of smell. Can you imagine what these chemicals are doing to our fox squirrels? It’s disgusting!
6Svetlana Gorbachevski, age 57, owner of a local plant nursery
More plants native to the area need to be planted. We have invasive species that are choking out the plants that should be here. My greenhouse carries a wide variety of plants that can be easily bought and planted along roadways, in gardens, parks, and backyards. For a small additional fee, my crew can even plant these for you! These native species will help the fox squirrel to feel more at home in our area.
Question 1
Which person's claims was MOSTLY backed up with evidence and research?
Responses
A Svetlana GorbachevskiSvetlana Gorbachevski
B Parker HendersonParker Henderson
C Jose MackJose Mack
D Macy WashingtonMacy Washington
Question 2
Which two statements from the passage uses research and statistics to back up a claim?
Responses
A "Zoologists from the University of Maryland counted these squirrels existing in only eight area counties!" and "The National Wildlife Federation has claimed that around 12,000 species are currently endangered."
B "Those squirrels don’t stand a chance against a two-ton truck speeding down the road!" and "Can you imagine what these chemicals are doing to our fox squirrels?"
C "For a small additional fee, my crew can even plant these for you!" and "The town received a grant from the state of Virginia to aid in its efforts towards protecting this endangered species."
D "We need to buy the forest land and turn it into a wildlife refuge." and "Experts in the field have also proved that wildlife refuges encourage people to volunteer there."