New Zealand sea lion

High school (ages 12+)
Animals & Nature

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/new-zealand-sea-lion

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the scientific name?Phocarctos hookeri
2. What is the primary breeding habitat?Auckland and Campbell Islands (New Zealand's subantarctic territory)
3. Where do New Zealand sea lions breed?They mainly breed on the remote Auckland and Campbell Islands. In recent years, some have started to return to mainland South and Stewart Islands.
4. Why are New Zealand sea lions important?As apex predators, they help keep fish and squid populations balanced. Their health also tells scientists how well the ocean is doing.

Pinniped: A carnivorous marine mammal belonging to the infraorder Pinnipedia, including seals, sea lions, and walruses.
Taxonomic Distinction: A unique classification that separates a species or group from others based on its characteristics.
Apex Predator: An animal at the top of the food chain with no natural predators in its ecosystem.