Worksheets and No Prep Teaching Resources
Worksheets and No Prep Teaching Resources
Reading Comprehension Worksheets
Animal Themes
Reptiles
Rain Forest
Chameleons

Animal Themes
Animal Themes

Chameleons
Print Chameleons Reading Comprehension


Reading Level
     edHelper's suggested reading level:   grades 7 to 10
     Flesch-Kincaid grade level:   8.43

Vocabulary
     challenging words:    innermost, melanin, outermost, pigment, epidermis, arboreal, tree-dwelling, southeastern, unsuspecting, sticky-tipped, coiled, widely, various, transparent, superb, flip
     content words:    Sahara Desert, Middle East, Sri Lanka

Other Languages
     Spanish: Los Camaleones

Chameleons   
1     When we think about chameleons, the first thing that comes to mind is probably their skill in camouflage. Indeed, it is widely believed that chameleons can change their colors to fit the environment they are in. Yet, if we put this theory to the test, we would be disappointed. It turns out that chameleons do not adjust their colors to blend in with their surroundings. Rather, lights, temperatures, and their emotions are the three triggers that cause chameleons to change their color.
 
2     For example, when a chameleon feels cold and wants to warm up, it becomes darker. If it is in a good mood, it turns lighter. The secret behind its color changes lies in its skin.
 
3     Chameleons have four layers of skin. From the outermost to the innermost, the four layers are the epidermis, the chromatophore, the melanophore, and the nether. The protective epidermis layer is transparent. The chromatophore layer creates yellow and red. The melanophore layer's dark pigment (melanin) creates brown, black, and blue. The nether layer reflects white. Through their nervous system, chameleons expand or contract these pigment cells to develop the various colors and patterns that we see on the outside.

Paragraphs 4 to 6:
For the complete story with questions: click here for printable
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Animal Themes
             Animal Themes

Reptiles
             Reptiles

Rain Forest
             Rain Forest


Animals
    Amphibians  
 
    Birds  
 
    Deserts  
 
    Fish  
 
    Freshwater  
 
    Grasslands  
 
    Insects  
 
 
    Invertebrates  
 
    Mammals  
 
    Oceans  
 
    Polar Regions  
 
    Rain Forest  
 
    Reptiles  
 



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