Oryx

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/oryx

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?Oryx (genus)
2. What is the lifespan?Average 20 years in the wild; can live longer in captivity
3. What makes oryx so good at staying cool in the desert?Oryx have pale fur that reflects sunlight, and they can let their body temperature rise a bit so they don't sweat too much. This keeps them cool and saves water.
4. Why do oryx have long horns?Their long horns are used to fight off predators like lions and hyenas. The horns can also help them dig for water or roots.

Pelage: The hairy or furry coat of a mammal, including its color and texture.
Thermoregulation: The biological process that allows an organism to maintain its core internal temperature.
Nomadic: Describing animals that migrate or wander from place to place in search of food or pasture.
Biodiversity: The variety of life in the world or in a particular habitat or ecosystem.