Desert Fox Secrets Worksheet
Grade 3 Science Reading • Standard: CCSS RI.3.1
Name: Date:
Desert Fox Secrets Part 1: Text
Read the informational passage carefully. Look for key details and evidence.
Skill: Asking & Answering Questions
Informational Passage: The Ultimate Desert Survivor
Lexile: 620L
[1] Across the scorching Sahara Desert in North Africa, the fennec fox thrives where very few other creatures can survive. Weighing only about three pounds, it is the world's smallest species of wild canine. The fennec fox is most famous for its giant ears, which can grow up to six inches long! These oversized ears act like built-in cooling fans. Tiny blood vessels close to the skin release excess body heat into the air, keeping the fox safely cool even during blistering desert afternoons.
[2] The fennec fox has several other remarkable physical adaptations. Thick, woolly fur covers the bottoms of its paws like soft slippers. This dense padding shields its feet from the burning hot sand and provides firm traction on shifting sand dunes. In addition, its sandy-tan coat reflects sunlight during the day and acts as natural camouflage to hide from predators like eagle owls and jackals.
[3] When darkness arrives and the desert air turns cold, the fennec fox leaves its underground den to hunt. Those giant ears come in handy once again. With exceptional hearing, the fox can detect the faint scratching sounds of beetles, lizards, and small rodents burrowing deep under the sand.
Key Science Vocabulary to Know
adaptation
A special body part or behavior that helps a living thing survive.
camouflage
Colors or patterns that help an animal blend into its habitat.
predator
An animal that hunts and catches other animals for food.
Active Reading Mission:
Underline two adaptations that help the fennec fox stay cool in the desert heat before turning to Page 2.
RI.3.1 Evidence Practice • Page 2 of 2
Name: Date:
Comprehension Questions & Evidence
Circle the correct answer, then write your proof from the passage on the lines below.
3 Points Total
1
Based on paragraph 1, how do the fennec fox's oversized ears help it survive daytime heat?
A They fan cool air continuously across its face.
B Blood vessels in the ears release extra body heat.
C They fold down like an umbrella to block sunlight.
D They store water droplets collected from the air.
Text Evidence (Write the sentence or fact that proves your answer):
2
According to paragraph 2, why does the fennec fox have thick fur on the bottoms of its paws?
A To keep its claws sharp for digging deep burrows.
B To protect its sensitive feet from blazing hot sand.
C To help it run faster than large predators on rock.
D To signal other foxes when traveling in the dark.
Text Evidence (Write the phrase or detail from the text that proves your answer):
3
Which statement best explains why a sandy-tan coat is important for the fennec fox?
A It reflects sunlight and provides camouflage from predators.
B It traps body heat so the fox does not freeze at noon.
C It turns bright white in winter to match desert snow.
D It allows parent foxes to spot their pups in sandstorms.
Text Evidence (Write the paragraph number and key words that prove your answer):
RI.3.1 Self-Check:
I selected my answer. I found the evidence. I wrote my proof.
