DESERT LIFE Living in the desert usually means extreme heat and dry, arid conditions. There are different types of deserts. Some deserts have more pla

DESERT LIFE
Living in the desert usually means extreme heat and dry, arid conditions. There are different types of deserts. Some deserts have more plant life than other deserts. The largest desert in the world is the Sahara Desert. This desert covers over a million square miles of land.
Like all deserts, the Sahara has very little vegetation. However, there are some plants that have learned to grow without very much rain. Cacti are examples of plants that can live for almost a year without rain. When a cactus does receive rain, it produces beautiful and striking flowers.
Many of the animals that live in the desert are the same color as tha environment. These sand-colored animals often burrow into the sand to avoid the extreme heat. Many of these animals are nocturnal animals, which means they feed and are active mostly during the night. When there is a severe drought, many of these animals sleep to save water and their need for food.
Camels are another type of animal commonly found in the Sahara Desert. The camel is able to go for a week without any drinking water. The camel’s hump serves as food storage. A camel will drink up to 16 gallons of water at one time.
(adapted from Daily Warm-up Reading Grade 5)
29. Why are desert animals nocturnal?
A. The sun is too bright during the day.
B. They are trying to avoid the extreme heat.
C. The water comes at night.
D. They are able to move faster.
30. The word “it” in the second paragraph refers to .
A. a cactus B. a flower C. rain D. vegetation
31. According to the passage, why are camels good animals for working in the desert?
A. There is no specific reason listed.
B. They work together to help each other in extremely hot conditions.
C. They have always been used in the desert.
D. They are able to store food and water and go without water for a long time.
32. The word “severe” in the third paragraph is closest in meaning to
A. normal B. serious C. slight D. frequent
33. What is the main idea of the passage?
A. to show how camels store food and water
B. to list the types of animals found in the desert
C. to explain what plant life and animal life is like in the desert
D. to show how cacti can survive a drought
34. What do animals that live in the desert have in common?
A. They are all reptiles.
B. They are all nocturnal animals.
C. They have learned to adapt to the heat.
D. They are brightly-colored animals.
39. His father is interested in walking in the park. (GIVES)
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