Turtle Sense of Hearing — Reading Comprehension
Grades
1
2
3
Standards
RI.2.1
RI.3.5
PRINT+DIGITAL RESOURCE
This learning resource is available in interactive and printable formats. The interactive worksshet can be played online and assigned to students. The Printable PDF version can be downloaded and printed for completion by hand.
Perfect For:
👩‍🏫 Teachers
- • Reading comprehension practice
- • Auto-graded assessments
- • Literacy skill development
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Parents
- • Reading practice at home
- • Comprehension improvement
- • Educational reading time
🏠Homeschoolers
- • Reading curriculum support
- • Independent reading practice
- • Progress monitoring
Reading Features:
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Reading Passage
Engaging fiction or nonfiction text
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Comprehension Quiz
Auto-graded questions
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Instant Feedback
Immediate results and scoring
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Printable Version
Download for offline reading
About This Reader
Turtles possess a fascinating auditory system that, while different from mammals, is well-adapted to their unique lifestyles. Unlike humans, turtles lack external ears, instead having thin flaps of skin covering their internal auditory structures. This adaptation allows for streamlined movement in water while maintaining the ability to perceive sound. Turtles are particularly sensitive to low-frequency sounds, which are crucial for detecting predators and locating mates. In aquatic environments, turtles utilize their shells as a conductor for vibrations, effectively expanding their capacity to sense underwater sounds. Some sea turtle species can detect sounds from impressive distances in the ocean, aiding in navigation and communication. On land, turtles may supplement their hearing by sensing vibrations through their feet and shell. While their hearing may not be as acute as some other senses, it plays a vital role in their survival and interaction with their environment. The turtle's auditory capabilities showcase the remarkable ways in which these ancient reptiles have adapted to life in diverse habitats, from tropical seas to freshwater lakes and terrestrial environments.
Turtles can hear, but not like humans do. They don't have outer ears. Instead, they have thin flaps of skin covering their inner ears. Turtles can hear low-frequency sounds better than high-pitched ones. This helps them detect predators and find mates. In water, turtles feel vibrations through their shells, which helps them sense sounds.
Some sea turtles can hear underwater sounds from far away. On land, turtles may feel vibrations through their feet. While not their strongest sense, hearing still plays an important role in a turtle's life.
What do turtles have instead of outer ears?
Large ear holesThin flaps of skinFurry ear tuftsSmall hornsWhich type of sounds can turtles hear better?
High-pitched soundsLow-frequency soundsUltrasonic soundsHuman voicesHow do turtles sense sounds in water?
Through their shellsWith their tonguesUsing their eyesBy opening their mouthsHow might turtles detect sounds on land?
By standing very stillThrough vibrations in their feetBy flapping their flippersUsing echolocationCommon Core Standards Covered
RI.2.1
Ask and answer such questions as who, what, where, when, why, and how to demonstrate understanding of key details in a text.
RI.3.5
Use text features and search tools (e.g., key words, sidebars, hyperlinks) to locate information relevant to a given topic efficiently.
Grade Levels:
Grade 1Grade 2Grade 3
Subjects:
elareadingscience
