Otters at Play
Written by Studio AM.
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North American river otters often appear playful. Along quiet rivers and lakes, they slide down muddy or snowy banks again and again, one after another, as if for the pure fun of it. This play can also serve useful purposes. It may help young otters develop hunting skills and strengthen social bonds.
An otter's body is made for water. Its fur is thick and traps a layer of air that keeps the skin dry and warm, even in cold rivers. Webbed feet and a strong tail push it through the water with ease. Otters hunt fish, frogs, and other small animals, diving and turning faster than their prey can flee.
They may live in family groups, especially during summer and early fall. Their social patterns change with age and season. To watch an otter is to see an animal that is very good at staying alive and, at the same time, appears to be having a wonderful time.
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Questions
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Question 1 of 4
What is the passage mainly about?
The answer is A: River otters have bodies suited to water and play that can support useful skills.
The passage connects aquatic adaptations with playful behavior and possible benefits of that play.
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Question 2 of 4
According to the text, what keeps an otter's skin dry and warm?
The answer is B: Air trapped in its thick fur
The text says the fur "traps a layer of air that keeps the skin dry and warm."
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Question 3 of 4
What possible benefit of play does the passage describe?
The answer is B: It may help develop hunting skills and social bonds.
The passage names hunting skills and social bonds as possible benefits, not the only purposes of every playful action.
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Question 4 of 4
In this passage, "prey" most nearly means
The answer is B: the animals an otter hunts for food
Otters hunt fish and frogs "faster than their prey can flee," so prey means the hunted animals.
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