Nature Reading and Writing

Name:

Date:

📖 Part 1: Reading Comprehension

Read the passage below and answer the questions that follow:

The Amazing Kakapo

Deep in New Zealand's forests lives one of the world's most unusual birds - the kakapo. This large, green parrot cannot fly, even though it has wings. Instead, it uses its strong legs to climb trees and walk along the forest floor. Kakapos are nocturnal, which means they are active at night when most other birds are sleeping.

These remarkable birds can live for over 90 years, making them one of the longest-living birds in the world. They have an excellent sense of smell, unusual for most birds, which helps them find food in the darkness. Kakapos eat native plants, fruits, and seeds. Unfortunately, there are fewer than 250 kakapos left in the wild, making them critically endangered. Conservation efforts are working hard to protect these special birds for future generations.

1. Why can't kakapos fly?

They don't have wings

They are too heavy and use their legs instead

They are afraid of heights

Their wings are broken

2. What does "nocturnal" mean?

Active during the day

Active at night

Sleeps all the time

Never sleeps

3. How long can kakapos live?

4. Fill in the blanks using words from the passage:

Kakapos have an excellent sense of __________ which helps them find __________ in the darkness. There are fewer than __________ kakapos left in the wild.

📝 Part 2: Vocabulary and Writing

5. Match each word to its meaning:

Conservation

Endangered

Nocturnal

Remarkable

Amazing or extraordinary

Active at night

At risk of becoming extinct

Protecting nature and wildlife

6. Which of these help kakapos survive? (Tick all that apply)

Strong legs for climbing

Good sense of smell

Bright colours

Being active at night

7. Write a short paragraph (4-5 sentences) explaining why you think it's important to protect endangered animals like the kakapo. Use at least two vocabulary words from the passage.