Reading Comprehension - 1
| Description: Gram_Exp_Rec (S-V Agreement)_Moderate | |
| Number of Questions: 30 | |
| Created by: Akash Patel | |
| Tags: Gram_Exp_Rec (S-V Agreement)_Moderate Reading Comprehension |
Why did the crocodile not wish to invite his friend home?
Directions: Read the passage and answer the following question.
Days passed. The crocodile's wife was feeling more and more eager to eat the monkey's heart. So, she thought of a plan to get the monkey there. One day the crocodile's wife pretended to be very ill. She began to shed tears as if she were in great pain. The crocodile was sad to see his wife ill. He sat by her and said, What shall I do to help you?
I am very ill, said the wife. I asked the doctor and he said that I would get well only if I ate a monkey's heart.
A monkey's heart? asked the crocodile.
Yes, said the wife, a monkey's heart. You mast get your friend's heart if you want me to get well.
How can I do that? the crocodile said. He is my only friend. I cannot think of doing him any harm.
Then you can go and live with your friend, said the crocodile's wife. You don't love your wife. You love only your friend. You want to see your wife dead. Then you will be free to be with your friend always.
The crocodile was very unhappy. He did not want to harm his friend. At the same time he could not allow his wife to die.
How can I kill my only friend? the crocodile asked again, and started shedding tears himself.
Why can't yo
u kill a monkey? said his wife. Crocodiles have to kill monkeys.
The crocodile shed more tears; he could not decide what to do.
You don't love me, said the crocodile's wife. A wife cannot live without her husband's love. I have decided to end my life. When you come back today from visiting your friend, you will find me dead.
The crocodile began to think. As a husband he had to protect his wife. It was his duty. He decided to save the life of his wife. He went to see the monkey. The monkey was wondering why the crocodile was late that day and when he saw the crocodile he asked, Why, my friend, why are you so late? Did you meet with an accident on the way?
No accident, said the crocodile. My wife and I had a quarrel. She said that I was not your friend. You have done so much for us, yet I have not invited you home. She has asked me to take you home today. She wants to meet you.
How sweet of her to ask me home, said the monkey. I would also like to meet her. But how can I go there? You live in water and I shall be drowned if I try to get to your home.
We live on the river bank, said the crocodile. I can easily take you there. You can ride on my back while I swim.
The monkey thought it was a good idea. He felt happy that he had such good friend.
The monkey and the crocodile set out for the home of the crocodile. The monkey sat on the crocodile's back and the crocodile started swimming up the river. When they reached the middle of the river, the crocodile began to dive. The monkey was frightened. Hey, he cried. What are you doing? I shall be drowned if you go down any further.
Directions: Read the passage and answer the following question.
Days passed. The crocodile's wife was feeling more and more eager to eat the monkey's heart. So, she thought of a plan to get the monkey there. One day the crocodile's wife pretended to be very ill. She began to shed tears as if she were in great pain. The crocodile was sad to see his wife ill. He sat by her and said, What shall I do to help you?
I am very ill, said the wife. I asked the doctor and he said that I would get well only if I ate a monkey's heart.
A monkey's heart? asked the crocodile.
Yes, said the wife, a monkey's heart. You mast get your friend's heart if you want me to get well.
How can I do that? the crocodile said. He is my only friend. I cannot think of doing him any harm.
Then you can go and live with your friend, said the crocodile's wife. You don't love your wife. You love only your friend. You want to see your wife dead. Then you will be free to be with your friend always.
The crocodile was very unhappy. He did not want to harm his friend. At the same time he could not allow his wife to die.
How can I kill my only friend? the crocodile asked again, and started shedding tears himself.
Why can't yo
u kill a monkey? said his wife. Crocodiles have to kill monkeys.
The crocodile shed more tears; he could not decide what to do.
You don't love me, said the crocodile's wife. A wife cannot live without her husband's love. I have decided to end my life. When you come back today from visiting your friend, you will find me dead.
The crocodile began to think. As a husband he had to protect his wife. It was his duty. He decided to save the life of his wife. He went to see the monkey. The monkey was wondering why the crocodile was late that day and when he saw the crocodile he asked, Why, my friend, why are you so late? Did you meet with an accident on the way?
No accident, said the crocodile. My wife and I had a quarrel. She said that I was not your friend. You have done so much for us, yet I have not invited you home. She has asked me to take you home today. She wants to meet you.
How sweet of her to ask me home, said the monkey. I would also like to meet her. But how can I go there? You live in water and I shall be drowned if I try to get to your home.
We live on the river bank, said the crocodile. I can easily take you there. You can ride on my back while I swim.
The monkey thought it was a good idea. He felt happy that he had such good friend.
The monkey and the crocodile set out for the home of the crocodile. The monkey sat on the crocodile's back and the crocodile started swimming up the river. When they reached the middle of the river, the crocodile began to dive. The monkey was frightened. Hey, he cried. What are you doing? I shall be drowned if you go down any further.
What does eager mean?
Directions: Read the passage and answer the following question.
Days passed. The crocodile's wife was feeling more and more eager to eat the monkey's heart. So, she thought of a plan to get the monkey there. One day the crocodile's wife pretended to be very ill. She began to shed tears as if she were in great pain. The crocodile was sad to see his wife ill. He sat by her and said, What shall I do to help you?
I am very ill, said the wife. I asked the doctor and he said that I would get well only if I ate a monkey's heart.
A monkey's heart? asked the crocodile.
Yes, said the wife, a monkey's heart. You mast get your friend's heart if you want me to get well.
How can I do that? the crocodile said. He is my only friend. I cannot think of doing him any harm.
Then you can go and live with your friend, said the crocodile's wife. You don't love your wife. You love only your friend. You want to see your wife dead. Then you will be free to be with your friend always.
The crocodile was very unhappy. He did not want to harm his friend. At the same time he could not allow his wife to die.
How can I kill my only friend? the crocodile asked again, and started shedding tears himself.
Why can't yo
u kill a monkey? said his wife. Crocodiles have to kill monkeys.
The crocodile shed more tears; he could not decide what to do.
You don't love me, said the crocodile's wife. A wife cannot live without her husband's love. I have decided to end my life. When you come back today from visiting your friend, you will find me dead.
The crocodile began to think. As a husband he had to protect his wife. It was his duty. He decided to save the life of his wife. He went to see the monkey. The monkey was wondering why the crocodile was late that day and when he saw the crocodile he asked, Why, my friend, why are you so late? Did you meet with an accident on the way?
No accident, said the crocodile. My wife and I had a quarrel. She said that I was not your friend. You have done so much for us, yet I have not invited you home. She has asked me to take you home today. She wants to meet you.
How sweet of her to ask me home, said the monkey. I would also like to meet her. But how can I go there? You live in water and I shall be drowned if I try to get to your home.
We live on the river bank, said the crocodile. I can easily take you there. You can ride on my back while I swim.
The monkey thought it was a good idea. He felt happy that he had such good friend.
The monkey and the crocodile set out for the home of the crocodile. The monkey sat on the crocodile's back and the crocodile started swimming up the river. When they reached the middle of the river, the crocodile began to dive. The monkey was frightened. Hey, he cried. What are you doing? I shall be drowned if you go down any further.
Directions: Read the passage and answer the following question.
Days passed. The crocodile's wife was feeling more and more eager to eat the monkey's heart. So, she thought of a plan to get the monkey there. One day the crocodile's wife pretended to be very ill. She began to shed tears as if she were in great pain. The crocodile was sad to see his wife ill. He sat by her and said, What shall I do to help you?
I am very ill, said the wife. I asked the doctor and he said that I would get well only if I ate a monkey's heart.
A monkey's heart? asked the crocodile.
Yes, said the wife, a monkey's heart. You mast get your friend's heart if you want me to get well.
How can I do that? the crocodile said. He is my only friend. I cannot think of doing him any harm.
Then you can go and live with your friend, said the crocodile's wife. You don't love your wife. You love only your friend. You want to see your wife dead. Then you will be free to be with your friend always.
The crocodile was very unhappy. He did not want to harm his friend. At the same time he could not allow his wife to die.
How can I kill my only friend? the crocodile asked again, and started shedding tears himself.
Why can't yo
u kill a monkey? said his wife. Crocodiles have to kill monkeys.
The crocodile shed more tears; he could not decide what to do.
You don't love me, said the crocodile's wife. A wife cannot live without her husband's love. I have decided to end my life. When you come back today from visiting your friend, you will find me dead.
The crocodile began to think. As a husband he had to protect his wife. It was his duty. He decided to save the life of his wife. He went to see the monkey. The monkey was wondering why the crocodile was late that day and when he saw the crocodile he asked, Why, my friend, why are you so late? Did you meet with an accident on the way?
No accident, said the crocodile. My wife and I had a quarrel. She said that I was not your friend. You have done so much for us, yet I have not invited you home. She has asked me to take you home today. She wants to meet you.
How sweet of her to ask me home, said the monkey. I would also like to meet her. But how can I go there? You live in water and I shall be drowned if I try to get to your home.
We live on the river bank, said the crocodile. I can easily take you there. You can ride on my back while I swim.
The monkey thought it was a good idea. He felt happy that he had such good friend.
The monkey and the crocodile set out for the home of the crocodile. The monkey sat on the crocodile's back and the crocodile started swimming up the river. When they reached the middle of the river, the crocodile began to dive. The monkey was frightened. Hey, he cried. What are you doing? I shall be drowned if you go down any further.
Directions: Read the passage and answer the following question.
Days passed. The crocodile's wife was feeling more and more eager to eat the monkey's heart. So, she thought of a plan to get the monkey there. One day the crocodile's wife pretended to be very ill. She began to shed tears as if she were in great pain. The crocodile was sad to see his wife ill. He sat by her and said, What shall I do to help you?
I am very ill, said the wife. I asked the doctor and he said that I would get well only if I ate a monkey's heart.
A monkey's heart? asked the crocodile.
Yes, said the wife, a monkey's heart. You mast get your friend's heart if you want me to get well.
How can I do that? the crocodile said. He is my only friend. I cannot think of doing him any harm.
Then you can go and live with your friend, said the crocodile's wife. You don't love your wife. You love only your friend. You want to see your wife dead. Then you will be free to be with your friend always.
The crocodile was very unhappy. He did not want to harm his friend. At the same time he could not allow his wife to die.
How can I kill my only friend? the crocodile asked again, and started shedding tears himself.
Why can't yo
u kill a monkey? said his wife. Crocodiles have to kill monkeys.
The crocodile shed more tears; he could not decide what to do.
You don't love me, said the crocodile's wife. A wife cannot live without her husband's love. I have decided to end my life. When you come back today from visiting your friend, you will find me dead.
The crocodile began to think. As a husband he had to protect his wife. It was his duty. He decided to save the life of his wife. He went to see the monkey. The monkey was wondering why the crocodile was late that day and when he saw the crocodile he asked, Why, my friend, why are you so late? Did you meet with an accident on the way?
No accident, said the crocodile. My wife and I had a quarrel. She said that I was not your friend. You have done so much for us, yet I have not invited you home. She has asked me to take you home today. She wants to meet you.
How sweet of her to ask me home, said the monkey. I would also like to meet her. But how can I go there? You live in water and I shall be drowned if I try to get to your home.
We live on the river bank, said the crocodile. I can easily take you there. You can ride on my back while I swim.
The monkey thought it was a good idea. He felt happy that he had such good friend.
The monkey and the crocodile set out for the home of the crocodile. The monkey sat on the crocodile's back and the crocodile started swimming up the river. When they reached the middle of the river, the crocodile began to dive. The monkey was frightened. Hey, he cried. What are you doing? I shall be drowned if you go down any further.
What, according to the wife, did the doctor advise crocodile's wife to take?
Directions: Read the passage and answer the following question.
Days passed. The crocodile's wife was feeling more and more eager to eat the monkey's heart. So, she thought of a plan to get the monkey there. One day the crocodile's wife pretended to be very ill. She began to shed tears as if she were in great pain. The crocodile was sad to see his wife ill. He sat by her and said, What shall I do to help you?
I am very ill, said the wife. I asked the doctor and he said that I would get well only if I ate a monkey's heart.
A monkey's heart? asked the crocodile.
Yes, said the wife, a monkey's heart. You mast get your friend's heart if you want me to get well.
How can I do that? the crocodile said. He is my only friend. I cannot think of doing him any harm.
Then you can go and live with your friend, said the crocodile's wife. You don't love your wife. You love only your friend. You want to see your wife dead. Then you will be free to be with your friend always.
The crocodile was very unhappy. He did not want to harm his friend. At the same time he could not allow his wife to die.
How can I kill my only friend? the crocodile asked again, and started shedding tears himself.
Why can't yo
u kill a monkey? said his wife. Crocodiles have to kill monkeys.
The crocodile shed more tears; he could not decide what to do.
You don't love me, said the crocodile's wife. A wife cannot live without her husband's love. I have decided to end my life. When you come back today from visiting your friend, you will find me dead.
The crocodile began to think. As a husband he had to protect his wife. It was his duty. He decided to save the life of his wife. He went to see the monkey. The monkey was wondering why the crocodile was late that day and when he saw the crocodile he asked, Why, my friend, why are you so late? Did you meet with an accident on the way?
No accident, said the crocodile. My wife and I had a quarrel. She said that I was not your friend. You have done so much for us, yet I have not invited you home. She has asked me to take you home today. She wants to meet you.
How sweet of her to ask me home, said the monkey. I would also like to meet her. But how can I go there? You live in water and I shall be drowned if I try to get to your home.
We live on the river bank, said the crocodile. I can easily take you there. You can ride on my back while I swim.
The monkey thought it was a good idea. He felt happy that he had such good friend.
The monkey and the crocodile set out for the home of the crocodile. The monkey sat on the crocodile's back and the crocodile started swimming up the river. When they reached the middle of the river, the crocodile began to dive. The monkey was frightened. Hey, he cried. What are you doing? I shall be drowned if you go down any further.
What does pretend mean?
Directions: Read the passage and answer the following question.
Days passed. The crocodile's wife was feeling more and more eager to eat the monkey's heart. So, she thought of a plan to get the monkey there. One day the crocodile's wife pretended to be very ill. She began to shed tears as if she were in great pain. The crocodile was sad to see his wife ill. He sat by her and said, What shall I do to help you?
I am very ill, said the wife. I asked the doctor and he said that I would get well only if I ate a monkey's heart.
A monkey's heart? asked the crocodile.
Yes, said the wife, a monkey's heart. You mast get your friend's heart if you want me to get well.
How can I do that? the crocodile said. He is my only friend. I cannot think of doing him any harm.
Then you can go and live with your friend, said the crocodile's wife. You don't love your wife. You love only your friend. You want to see your wife dead. Then you will be free to be with your friend always.
The crocodile was very unhappy. He did not want to harm his friend. At the same time he could not allow his wife to die.
How can I kill my only friend? the crocodile asked again, and started shedding tears himself.
Why can't yo
u kill a monkey? said his wife. Crocodiles have to kill monkeys.
The crocodile shed more tears; he could not decide what to do.
You don't love me, said the crocodile's wife. A wife cannot live without her husband's love. I have decided to end my life. When you come back today from visiting your friend, you will find me dead.
The crocodile began to think. As a husband he had to protect his wife. It was his duty. He decided to save the life of his wife. He went to see the monkey. The monkey was wondering why the crocodile was late that day and when he saw the crocodile he asked, Why, my friend, why are you so late? Did you meet with an accident on the way?
No accident, said the crocodile. My wife and I had a quarrel. She said that I was not your friend. You have done so much for us, yet I have not invited you home. She has asked me to take you home today. She wants to meet you.
How sweet of her to ask me home, said the monkey. I would also like to meet her. But how can I go there? You live in water and I shall be drowned if I try to get to your home.
We live on the river bank, said the crocodile. I can easily take you there. You can ride on my back while I swim.
The monkey thought it was a good idea. He felt happy that he had such good friend.
The monkey and the crocodile set out for the home of the crocodile. The monkey sat on the crocodile's back and the crocodile started swimming up the river. When they reached the middle of the river, the crocodile began to dive. The monkey was frightened. Hey, he cried. What are you doing? I shall be drowned if you go down any further.
What were the two things the crocodile had to choose between?
Directions: Read the passage and answer the following question.
Days passed. The crocodile's wife was feeling more and more eager to eat the monkey's heart. So, she thought of a plan to get the monkey there. One day the crocodile's wife pretended to be very ill. She began to shed tears as if she were in great pain. The crocodile was sad to see his wife ill. He sat by her and said, What shall I do to help you?
I am very ill, said the wife. I asked the doctor and he said that I would get well only if I ate a monkey's heart.
A monkey's heart? asked the crocodile.
Yes, said the wife, a monkey's heart. You mast get your friend's heart if you want me to get well.
How can I do that? the crocodile said. He is my only friend. I cannot think of doing him any harm.
Then you can go and live with your friend, said the crocodile's wife. You don't love your wife. You love only your friend. You want to see your wife dead. Then you will be free to be with your friend always.
The crocodile was very unhappy. He did not want to harm his friend. At the same time he could not allow his wife to die.
How can I kill my only friend? the crocodile asked again, and started shedding tears himself.
Why can't yo
u kill a monkey? said his wife. Crocodiles have to kill monkeys.
The crocodile shed more tears; he could not decide what to do.
You don't love me, said the crocodile's wife. A wife cannot live without her husband's love. I have decided to end my life. When you come back today from visiting your friend, you will find me dead.
The crocodile began to think. As a husband he had to protect his wife. It was his duty. He decided to save the life of his wife. He went to see the monkey. The monkey was wondering why the crocodile was late that day and when he saw the crocodile he asked, Why, my friend, why are you so late? Did you meet with an accident on the way?
No accident, said the crocodile. My wife and I had a quarrel. She said that I was not your friend. You have done so much for us, yet I have not invited you home. She has asked me to take you home today. She wants to meet you.
How sweet of her to ask me home, said the monkey. I would also like to meet her. But how can I go there? You live in water and I shall be drowned if I try to get to your home.
We live on the river bank, said the crocodile. I can easily take you there. You can ride on my back while I swim.
The monkey thought it was a good idea. He felt happy that he had such good friend.
The monkey and the crocodile set out for the home of the crocodile. The monkey sat on the crocodile's back and the crocodile started swimming up the river. When they reached the middle of the river, the crocodile began to dive. The monkey was frightened. Hey, he cried. What are you doing? I shall be drowned if you go down any further.
What did the wife accuse the crocodile of?
Directions: Read the passage and answer the following question.
Days passed. The crocodile's wife was feeling more and more eager to eat the monkey's heart. So, she thought of a plan to get the monkey there. One day the crocodile's wife pretended to be very ill. She began to shed tears as if she were in great pain. The crocodile was sad to see his wife ill. He sat by her and said, What shall I do to help you?
I am very ill, said the wife. I asked the doctor and he said that I would get well only if I ate a monkey's heart.
A monkey's heart? asked the crocodile.
Yes, said the wife, a monkey's heart. You mast get your friend's heart if you want me to get well.
How can I do that? the crocodile said. He is my only friend. I cannot think of doing him any harm.
Then you can go and live with your friend, said the crocodile's wife. You don't love your wife. You love only your friend. You want to see your wife dead. Then you will be free to be with your friend always.
The crocodile was very unhappy. He did not want to harm his friend. At the same time he could not allow his wife to die.
How can I kill my only friend? the crocodile asked again, and started shedding tears himself.
Why can't yo
u kill a monkey? said his wife. Crocodiles have to kill monkeys.
The crocodile shed more tears; he could not decide what to do.
You don't love me, said the crocodile's wife. A wife cannot live without her husband's love. I have decided to end my life. When you come back today from visiting your friend, you will find me dead.
The crocodile began to think. As a husband he had to protect his wife. It was his duty. He decided to save the life of his wife. He went to see the monkey. The monkey was wondering why the crocodile was late that day and when he saw the crocodile he asked, Why, my friend, why are you so late? Did you meet with an accident on the way?
No accident, said the crocodile. My wife and I had a quarrel. She said that I was not your friend. You have done so much for us, yet I have not invited you home. She has asked me to take you home today. She wants to meet you.
How sweet of her to ask me home, said the monkey. I would also like to meet her. But how can I go there? You live in water and I shall be drowned if I try to get to your home.
We live on the river bank, said the crocodile. I can easily take you there. You can ride on my back while I swim.
The monkey thought it was a good idea. He felt happy that he had such good friend.
The monkey and the crocodile set out for the home of the crocodile. The monkey sat on the crocodile's back and the crocodile started swimming up the river. When they reached the middle of the river, the crocodile began to dive. The monkey was frightened. Hey, he cried. What are you doing? I shall be drowned if you go down any further.
Directions: Read the passage and answer the following question.
Days passed. The crocodile's wife was feeling more and more eager to eat the monkey's heart. So, she thought of a plan to get the monkey there. One day the crocodile's wife pretended to be very ill. She began to shed tears as if she were in great pain. The crocodile was sad to see his wife ill. He sat by her and said, What shall I do to help you?
I am very ill, said the wife. I asked the doctor and he said that I would get well only if I ate a monkey's heart.
A monkey's heart? asked the crocodile.
Yes, said the wife, a monkey's heart. You mast get your friend's heart if you want me to get well.
How can I do that? the crocodile said. He is my only friend. I cannot think of doing him any harm.
Then you can go and live with your friend, said the crocodile's wife. You don't love your wife. You love only your friend. You want to see your wife dead. Then you will be free to be with your friend always.
The crocodile was very unhappy. He did not want to harm his friend. At the same time he could not allow his wife to die.
How can I kill my only friend? the crocodile asked again, and started shedding tears himself.
Why can't yo
u kill a monkey? said his wife. Crocodiles have to kill monkeys.
The crocodile shed more tears; he could not decide what to do.
You don't love me, said the crocodile's wife. A wife cannot live without her husband's love. I have decided to end my life. When you come back today from visiting your friend, you will find me dead.
The crocodile began to think. As a husband he had to protect his wife. It was his duty. He decided to save the life of his wife. He went to see the monkey. The monkey was wondering why the crocodile was late that day and when he saw the crocodile he asked, Why, my friend, why are you so late? Did you meet with an accident on the way?
No accident, said the crocodile. My wife and I had a quarrel. She said that I was not your friend. You have done so much for us, yet I have not invited you home. She has asked me to take you home today. She wants to meet you.
How sweet of her to ask me home, said the monkey. I would also like to meet her. But how can I go there? You live in water and I shall be drowned if I try to get to your home.
We live on the river bank, said the crocodile. I can easily take you there. You can ride on my back while I swim.
The monkey thought it was a good idea. He felt happy that he had such good friend.
The monkey and the crocodile set out for the home of the crocodile. The monkey sat on the crocodile's back and the crocodile started swimming up the river. When they reached the middle of the river, the crocodile began to dive. The monkey was frightened. Hey, he cried. What are you doing? I shall be drowned if you go down any further.
Most of the rocks are sensitive to monsoons.
Directions: Read the following passage and answer the following question.
One thing, probably the most significant one, that influences the life cycle of a rock is the natural phenomenon called Erosion. In fact, most of the enchanting landscapes that we find around the world today are a boon of this natural phenomenon. But it is not a blessing always. It can cause major problems as people living in different geographical regions in large numbers, with passage of time, get used to the environment of the region being in a certain way. Any change in the topography that influences the overall environment can pose new challenges. However, people can do many things to increase the pace of this phenomenon or slow it down to a great extent. A significant factor that can cause erosion is of course weathering.
Water currents cause lot of erosion. Some times water falls as acid rain. Then it is capable of dissolving rock structures that are sensitive to acids. For example Marble & limestone undergo weathering when exposed to acid rain. Apart from this, when it rains very heavily, as it happens during monsoons, it can cause flooding. During the monsoons rivers and streams flow in full swing and the rushing water can cause mud slides and even erode large river banks. The huge waves in seas and oceans, which you can watch standing on a beach, cause much erosion. The continuous action of waves on the rocks pond them and with time, cliffs will crumble. This is the reason why you will often find sand & little pebbles on beaches instead of huge pieces of rocks. Rushing water, like what we usually find in rivers and streams, moves very fast and as it runs down mountains or strong waves on the shores of oceans, rolls large rocks along. Strong and powerful waves on the shores of seas and oceans also roll rocks. These causes the sharp, rough and pointed edges of the rocks get knocked off and worn out in this process. This is the reason why river rocks are so smooth & beach pebbles look as if somebody had polished them all his life.
Crystals usually found in stores are clear.
Directions: Read the following passage and answer the following question.
What are crystals? They are actually minerals that could grow in to a particular shape that they were supposed to be. The shape of a crystal is determined by various factors. We now know that our DNA determines the color of our eyes, how tall we shall get to be and what shape our bones would ultimately take. In the same way it is the chemistry of a mineral, i.e. the chemicals that a mineral is made of, that determines what shape its crystals would ultimately take. Thus it is possible to tell different minerals apart by analyzing the shape of their crystals.
Sometimes minerals form in limited spaces where there is very little room, so they don't acquire a proper crystalline shape. When there is just a big hunk of a mineral, we call it a massive mineral. When there is a definite shape with easily observable flat sides or layers, we call it a mineral crystal.
Most of the crystals found on the earth were formed millions of years ago. Crystals form when rocks in liquid form inside the earth slowly cool and harden under typical conditions. Crystals also form when liquids beneath the ground find their way into cracks and slowly deposit minerals in due course of time. It takes thousands of years for most mineral crystals to grow” into their usual shapes but a few salts (like halite) can form so quickly that one can watch them grow at one’s own home!
Many people think that crystals as clear pretty stones that are used for jewelry. Amethyst is a commonly found quartz crystal. Crystals not have to be clear, however, those are the kinds you may usually see in jewelry stores.
Formation of landscapes is responsible for erosion.
Directions: Read the following passage and answer the following question.
One thing, probably the most significant one, that influences the life cycle of a rock is the natural phenomenon called Erosion. In fact, most of the enchanting landscapes that we find around the world today are a boon of this natural phenomenon. But it is not a blessing always. It can cause major problems as people living in different geographical regions in large numbers, with passage of time, get used to the environment of the region being in a certain way. Any change in the topography that influences the overall environment can pose new challenges. However, people can do many things to increase the pace of this phenomenon or slow it down to a great extent. A significant factor that can cause erosion is of course weathering.
Water currents cause lot of erosion. Some times water falls as acid rain. Then it is capable of dissolving rock structures that are sensitive to acids. For example Marble & limestone undergo weathering when exposed to acid rain. Apart from this, when it rains very heavily, as it happens during monsoons, it can cause flooding. During the monsoons rivers and streams flow in full swing and the rushing water can cause mud slides and even erode large river banks. The huge waves in seas and oceans, which you can watch standing on a beach, cause much erosion. The continuous action of waves on the rocks pond them and with time, cliffs will crumble. This is the reason why you will often find sand & little pebbles on beaches instead of huge pieces of rocks. Rushing water, like what we usually find in rivers and streams, moves very fast and as it runs down mountains or strong waves on the shores of oceans, rolls large rocks along. Strong and powerful waves on the shores of seas and oceans also roll rocks. These causes the sharp, rough and pointed edges of the rocks get knocked off and worn out in this process. This is the reason why river rocks are so smooth & beach pebbles look as if somebody had polished them all his life.
Monsoons result in floods.
Directions: Read the following passage and answer the following question.
One thing, probably the most significant one, that influences the life cycle of a rock is the natural phenomenon called Erosion. In fact, most of the enchanting landscapes that we find around the world today are a boon of this natural phenomenon. But it is not a blessing always. It can cause major problems as people living in different geographical regions in large numbers, with passage of time, get used to the environment of the region being in a certain way. Any change in the topography that influences the overall environment can pose new challenges. However, people can do many things to increase the pace of this phenomenon or slow it down to a great extent. A significant factor that can cause erosion is of course weathering.
Water currents cause lot of erosion. Some times water falls as acid rain. Then it is capable of dissolving rock structures that are sensitive to acids. For example Marble & limestone undergo weathering when exposed to acid rain. Apart from this, when it rains very heavily, as it happens during monsoons, it can cause flooding. During the monsoons rivers and streams flow in full swing and the rushing water can cause mud slides and even erode large river banks. The huge waves in seas and oceans, which you can watch standing on a beach, cause much erosion. The continuous action of waves on the rocks pond them and with time, cliffs will crumble. This is the reason why you will often find sand & little pebbles on beaches instead of huge pieces of rocks. Rushing water, like what we usually find in rivers and streams, moves very fast and as it runs down mountains or strong waves on the shores of oceans, rolls large rocks along. Strong and powerful waves on the shores of seas and oceans also roll rocks. These causes the sharp, rough and pointed edges of the rocks get knocked off and worn out in this process. This is the reason why river rocks are so smooth & beach pebbles look as if somebody had polished them all his life.
Smooth beach pebbles used to be sharp edged rocks once upon a time.
Directions: Read the following passage and answer the following question.
One thing, probably the most significant one, that influences the life cycle of a rock is the natural phenomenon called Erosion. In fact, most of the enchanting landscapes that we find around the world today are a boon of this natural phenomenon. But it is not a blessing always. It can cause major problems as people living in different geographical regions in large numbers, with passage of time, get used to the environment of the region being in a certain way. Any change in the topography that influences the overall environment can pose new challenges. However, people can do many things to increase the pace of this phenomenon or slow it down to a great extent. A significant factor that can cause erosion is of course weathering.
Water currents cause lot of erosion. Some times water falls as acid rain. Then it is capable of dissolving rock structures that are sensitive to acids. For example Marble & limestone undergo weathering when exposed to acid rain. Apart from this, when it rains very heavily, as it happens during monsoons, it can cause flooding. During the monsoons rivers and streams flow in full swing and the rushing water can cause mud slides and even erode large river banks. The huge waves in seas and oceans, which you can watch standing on a beach, cause much erosion. The continuous action of waves on the rocks pond them and with time, cliffs will crumble. This is the reason why you will often find sand & little pebbles on beaches instead of huge pieces of rocks. Rushing water, like what we usually find in rivers and streams, moves very fast and as it runs down mountains or strong waves on the shores of oceans, rolls large rocks along. Strong and powerful waves on the shores of seas and oceans also roll rocks. These causes the sharp, rough and pointed edges of the rocks get knocked off and worn out in this process. This is the reason why river rocks are so smooth & beach pebbles look as if somebody had polished them all his life.
Erosion is a problem for people as it keeps the environment in a certain way.
Directions: Read the following passage and answer the following question.
One thing, probably the most significant one, that influences the life cycle of a rock is the natural phenomenon called Erosion. In fact, most of the enchanting landscapes that we find around the world today are a boon of this natural phenomenon. But it is not a blessing always. It can cause major problems as people living in different geographical regions in large numbers, with passage of time, get used to the environment of the region being in a certain way. Any change in the topography that influences the overall environment can pose new challenges. However, people can do many things to increase the pace of this phenomenon or slow it down to a great extent. A significant factor that can cause erosion is of course weathering.
Water currents cause lot of erosion. Some times water falls as acid rain. Then it is capable of dissolving rock structures that are sensitive to acids. For example Marble & limestone undergo weathering when exposed to acid rain. Apart from this, when it rains very heavily, as it happens during monsoons, it can cause flooding. During the monsoons rivers and streams flow in full swing and the rushing water can cause mud slides and even erode large river banks. The huge waves in seas and oceans, which you can watch standing on a beach, cause much erosion. The continuous action of waves on the rocks pond them and with time, cliffs will crumble. This is the reason why you will often find sand & little pebbles on beaches instead of huge pieces of rocks. Rushing water, like what we usually find in rivers and streams, moves very fast and as it runs down mountains or strong waves on the shores of oceans, rolls large rocks along. Strong and powerful waves on the shores of seas and oceans also roll rocks. These causes the sharp, rough and pointed edges of the rocks get knocked off and worn out in this process. This is the reason why river rocks are so smooth & beach pebbles look as if somebody had polished them all his life.
Crystal formation is a process that always takes thousands of years.
Directions: Read the following passage and answer the following question.
What are crystals? They are actually minerals that could grow in to a particular shape that they were supposed to be. The shape of a crystal is determined by various factors. We now know that our DNA determines the color of our eyes, how tall we shall get to be and what shape our bones would ultimately take. In the same way it is the chemistry of a mineral, i.e. the chemicals that a mineral is made of, that determines what shape its crystals would ultimately take. Thus it is possible to tell different minerals apart by analyzing the shape of their crystals.
Sometimes minerals form in limited spaces where there is very little room, so they don't acquire a proper crystalline shape. When there is just a big hunk of a mineral, we call it a massive mineral. When there is a definite shape with easily observable flat sides or layers, we call it a mineral crystal.
Most of the crystals found on the earth were formed millions of years ago. Crystals form when rocks in liquid form inside the earth slowly cool and harden under typical conditions. Crystals also form when liquids beneath the ground find their way into cracks and slowly deposit minerals in due course of time. It takes thousands of years for most mineral crystals to grow” into their usual shapes but a few salts (like halite) can form so quickly that one can watch them grow at one’s own home!
Many people think that crystals as clear pretty stones that are used for jewelry. Amethyst is a commonly found quartz crystal. Crystals not have to be clear, however, those are the kinds you may usually see in jewelry stores.
Crystals are formed when molten rocks cool and harden inside the earth.
Directions: Read the following passage and answer the following question.
What are crystals? They are actually minerals that could grow in to a particular shape that they were supposed to be. The shape of a crystal is determined by various factors. We now know that our DNA determines the color of our eyes, how tall we shall get to be and what shape our bones would ultimately take. In the same way it is the chemistry of a mineral, i.e. the chemicals that a mineral is made of, that determines what shape its crystals would ultimately take. Thus it is possible to tell different minerals apart by analyzing the shape of their crystals.
Sometimes minerals form in limited spaces where there is very little room, so they don't acquire a proper crystalline shape. When there is just a big hunk of a mineral, we call it a massive mineral. When there is a definite shape with easily observable flat sides or layers, we call it a mineral crystal.
Most of the crystals found on the earth were formed millions of years ago. Crystals form when rocks in liquid form inside the earth slowly cool and harden under typical conditions. Crystals also form when liquids beneath the ground find their way into cracks and slowly deposit minerals in due course of time. It takes thousands of years for most mineral crystals to grow” into their usual shapes but a few salts (like halite) can form so quickly that one can watch them grow at one’s own home!
Many people think that crystals as clear pretty stones that are used for jewelry. Amethyst is a commonly found quartz crystal. Crystals not have to be clear, however, those are the kinds you may usually see in jewelry stores.
The shape of a crystal seldom depends on its constituent chemicals.
Directions: Read the following passage and answer the following question.
What are crystals? They are actually minerals that could grow in to a particular shape that they were supposed to be. The shape of a crystal is determined by various factors. We now know that our DNA determines the color of our eyes, how tall we shall get to be and what shape our bones would ultimately take. In the same way it is the chemistry of a mineral, i.e. the chemicals that a mineral is made of, that determines what shape its crystals would ultimately take. Thus it is possible to tell different minerals apart by analyzing the shape of their crystals.
Sometimes minerals form in limited spaces where there is very little room, so they don't acquire a proper crystalline shape. When there is just a big hunk of a mineral, we call it a massive mineral. When there is a definite shape with easily observable flat sides or layers, we call it a mineral crystal.
Most of the crystals found on the earth were formed millions of years ago. Crystals form when rocks in liquid form inside the earth slowly cool and harden under typical conditions. Crystals also form when liquids beneath the ground find their way into cracks and slowly deposit minerals in due course of time. It takes thousands of years for most mineral crystals to grow” into their usual shapes but a few salts (like halite) can form so quickly that one can watch them grow at one’s own home!
Many people think that crystals as clear pretty stones that are used for jewelry. Amethyst is a commonly found quartz crystal. Crystals not have to be clear, however, those are the kinds you may usually see in jewelry stores.
Minerals are always found in the form of crystals.
Directions: Read the following passage and answer the following question.
What are crystals? They are actually minerals that could grow in to a particular shape that they were supposed to be. The shape of a crystal is determined by various factors. We now know that our DNA determines the color of our eyes, how tall we shall get to be and what shape our bones would ultimately take. In the same way it is the chemistry of a mineral, i.e. the chemicals that a mineral is made of, that determines what shape its crystals would ultimately take. Thus it is possible to tell different minerals apart by analyzing the shape of their crystals.
Sometimes minerals form in limited spaces where there is very little room, so they don't acquire a proper crystalline shape. When there is just a big hunk of a mineral, we call it a massive mineral. When there is a definite shape with easily observable flat sides or layers, we call it a mineral crystal.
Most of the crystals found on the earth were formed millions of years ago. Crystals form when rocks in liquid form inside the earth slowly cool and harden under typical conditions. Crystals also form when liquids beneath the ground find their way into cracks and slowly deposit minerals in due course of time. It takes thousands of years for most mineral crystals to grow” into their usual shapes but a few salts (like halite) can form so quickly that one can watch them grow at one’s own home!
Many people think that crystals as clear pretty stones that are used for jewelry. Amethyst is a commonly found quartz crystal. Crystals not have to be clear, however, those are the kinds you may usually see in jewelry stores.
Domesticated cats can be trained to perform many simple tasks.
Directions: Read the passage and answer the following question.
The Cat (Felis silvestris catus), usually called the Domestic Cat or House Cat is a small flesh eating mammal. Cats are normally very active during twilight hours of the day like dogs, deer, mice, red pandas etc. and hence called crepuscular mammals. Domestic cats are considered to be very social and can easily get along with human beings and even with other pets kept by human beings. Another fact that endears cats to human beings is that cats feed on nuisance creating pests like worms, insects and rodents called vermin. Due to these reasons house cats are considered to be good companions to human beings and are greatly valued by them. According to researchers, the human-cat association has been there for more than 10,000 years.
Cats are highly skilled and specialized hunters. It is known that they hunt over 1,000 different species for food. They are also found to possess a higher level of intelligence and have also been known to have learnt to operate simple mechanisms such as doorknobs. Cats use varied vocalizations and typical body language for communication. These vocalizations include mewing (meow or miaow), purring, hissing, growling, squeaking, chirping, clicking, and grunting. Due to their popularity as preferred pets, cats are also bred and shown as registered pedigree pets. This is a hobby known as Cat Fancy.
A study conducted under the aegis of the National Cancer Institute and published in the journal Science says that all house cats are descendents of a group of self-domesticating wild cats called Felis silvestris lybica found in deserts in the middle east area about 10,000 years ago. Another interesting fact about cats in general is that while almost all wildcat subspecies can interbreed, no such cross breeding is seen in domestic cats and they are all genetically contained within the specie.
Cats are called crepuscular mammals because they resemble dogs and red pandas.
Directions: Read the passage and answer the following question.
The Cat (Felis silvestris catus), usually called the Domestic Cat or House Cat is a small flesh eating mammal. Cats are normally very active during twilight hours of the day like dogs, deer, mice, red pandas etc. and hence called crepuscular mammals. Domestic cats are considered to be very social and can easily get along with human beings and even with other pets kept by human beings. Another fact that endears cats to human beings is that cats feed on nuisance creating pests like worms, insects and rodents called vermin. Due to these reasons house cats are considered to be good companions to human beings and are greatly valued by them. According to researchers, the human-cat association has been there for more than 10,000 years.
Cats are highly skilled and specialized hunters. It is known that they hunt over 1,000 different species for food. They are also found to possess a higher level of intelligence and have also been known to have learnt to operate simple mechanisms such as doorknobs. Cats use varied vocalizations and typical body language for communication. These vocalizations include mewing (meow or miaow), purring, hissing, growling, squeaking, chirping, clicking, and grunting. Due to their popularity as preferred pets, cats are also bred and shown as registered pedigree pets. This is a hobby known as Cat Fancy.
A study conducted under the aegis of the National Cancer Institute and published in the journal Science says that all house cats are descendents of a group of self-domesticating wild cats called Felis silvestris lybica found in deserts in the middle east area about 10,000 years ago. Another interesting fact about cats in general is that while almost all wildcat subspecies can interbreed, no such cross breeding is seen in domestic cats and they are all genetically contained within the specie.
Fungi are species of organisms that are non-photosynthetic and hence, cannot survive on their own in nature.
Directions: Read the passage and answer the following question.
For professionals who are engaged in naming different kinds of organisms, lichens have always been a very interesting, rather provocative, challenge. The difficulty with lichens is that lichen is not a separate organism in the sense of being one type of individual. It is actually a close partnership between or cohabitation of two different organisms, a fungus and an alga (Algae are very simple plants). The cohabitation is indeed interesting as the partners are quite unlike in the sense that they are profoundly different.
The two types of organisms participating in the partnership are so closely interwoven that they appear as a single organism. The individual appearance of lichen is entirely different from that of either of the partner organisms that make up the structure of the lichen. Lichens are found in many different but recognizable types and each type is different and distinct. A number of these types have been given specific individual names of their own, in spite of the fact that each one of them is already a combination of two or even three different species.
There are about 1,700 known species of lichen in Britain alone. Through out the world about 18,000 distinct species of lichen have been identified and described. The algal partners in lichens, unlike the fungal partners, are photosy
nthetic and are hence capable of living on their own in nature, as independent species in their own right. The fungal partners in British lichens are generally distinguishable and belong to Ascomycetes or Basidiomycetes. However, for survival in nature they need the companionship of the right kind of algal partner. These fungal partners cannot survive on their own, a fact that is not applicable to their algal partners and many other fungi which can survive on their own.
Lichens use their entire surface area to absorb water and minerals from rainwater. They can even absorb water and minerals directly from the atmosphere. This characteristic property makes lichens extremely sensitive to atmospheric pollution and it is almost impossible for lichens to survive in polluted areas. This is the reason why we find very few lichens around industrial areas and big cities.
The capacity to tolerate pollution varies in different species of lichen. This difference in the tolerance levels make lichens very good biological indicators of the levels atmospheric pollution. .
If you are interested to know the quality of air in your area, just go for a walk around your local churchyard. You will get an idea about air quality in your area. Churchyards are generally undisturbed areas as compared to other busy areas. The stone headstones found in churchyards provide a good substrate for lichens. A close observation of these lichens will provide you with enough indication as to how good is the air quality in your locality.
Uses Over the ages lichens are put to a number of uses. Lichens were extensively used as pigments or dies for clothing before the advent of the present day synthetic dyes. In fact different lichens were used to produce different dye colors and these colors could be mixed in different proportions to produce a wide variety of new colors and shades.
The chemistry of lichens is indeed very interesting. The fact is that lichens produce a large number of acids and many of them are unique in the sense that they are found only in lichens. It would be very interesting to know that the popular litmus dye widely used as an acid/alkaline indicator in laboratories comes from lichens. Yet another important fact about lichens is that some lichen species have antibiotic properties. Some lichen acids are used in antibiotic drugs and are found to be much more effective than penicillin.
Lichens are extensively used as dies and pigments in textile industry.
Directions: Read the passage and answer the following question.
For professionals who are engaged in naming different kinds of organisms, lichens have always been a very interesting, rather provocative, challenge. The difficulty with lichens is that lichen is not a separate organism in the sense of being one type of individual. It is actually a close partnership between or cohabitation of two different organisms, a fungus and an alga (Algae are very simple plants). The cohabitation is indeed interesting as the partners are quite unlike in the sense that they are profoundly different.
The two types of organisms participating in the partnership are so closely interwoven that they appear as a single organism. The individual appearance of lichen is entirely different from that of either of the partner organisms that make up the structure of the lichen. Lichens are found in many different but recognizable types and each type is different and distinct. A number of these types have been given specific individual names of their own, in spite of the fact that each one of them is already a combination of two or even three different species.
There are about 1,700 known species of lichen in Britain alone. Through out the world about 18,000 distinct species of lichen have been identified and described. The algal partners in lichens, unlike the fungal partners, are photosy
nthetic and are hence capable of living on their own in nature, as independent species in their own right. The fungal partners in British lichens are generally distinguishable and belong to Ascomycetes or Basidiomycetes. However, for survival in nature they need the companionship of the right kind of algal partner. These fungal partners cannot survive on their own, a fact that is not applicable to their algal partners and many other fungi which can survive on their own.
Lichens use their entire surface area to absorb water and minerals from rainwater. They can even absorb water and minerals directly from the atmosphere. This characteristic property makes lichens extremely sensitive to atmospheric pollution and it is almost impossible for lichens to survive in polluted areas. This is the reason why we find very few lichens around industrial areas and big cities.
The capacity to tolerate pollution varies in different species of lichen. This difference in the tolerance levels make lichens very good biological indicators of the levels atmospheric pollution. .
If you are interested to know the quality of air in your area, just go for a walk around your local churchyard. You will get an idea about air quality in your area. Churchyards are generally undisturbed areas as compared to other busy areas. The stone headstones found in churchyards provide a good substrate for lichens. A close observation of these lichens will provide you with enough indication as to how good is the air quality in your locality.
Uses Over the ages lichens are put to a number of uses. Lichens were extensively used as pigments or dies for clothing before the advent of the present day synthetic dyes. In fact different lichens were used to produce different dye colors and these colors could be mixed in different proportions to produce a wide variety of new colors and shades.
The chemistry of lichens is indeed very interesting. The fact is that lichens produce a large number of acids and many of them are unique in the sense that they are found only in lichens. It would be very interesting to know that the popular litmus dye widely used as an acid/alkaline indicator in laboratories comes from lichens. Yet another important fact about lichens is that some lichen species have antibiotic properties. Some lichen acids are used in antibiotic drugs and are found to be much more effective than penicillin.
Lichens are very sensitive to atmospheric pollution because they are not able to draw minerals from polluted air.
Directions: Read the passage and answer the following question.
For professionals who are engaged in naming different kinds of organisms, lichens have always been a very interesting, rather provocative, challenge. The difficulty with lichens is that lichen is not a separate organism in the sense of being one type of individual. It is actually a close partnership between or cohabitation of two different organisms, a fungus and an alga (Algae are very simple plants). The cohabitation is indeed interesting as the partners are quite unlike in the sense that they are profoundly different.
The two types of organisms participating in the partnership are so closely interwoven that they appear as a single organism. The individual appearance of lichen is entirely different from that of either of the partner organisms that make up the structure of the lichen. Lichens are found in many different but recognizable types and each type is different and distinct. A number of these types have been given specific individual names of their own, in spite of the fact that each one of them is already a combination of two or even three different species.
There are about 1,700 known species of lichen in Britain alone. Through out the world about 18,000 distinct species of lichen have been identified and described. The algal partners in lichens, unlike the fungal partners, are photosy
nthetic and are hence capable of living on their own in nature, as independent species in their own right. The fungal partners in British lichens are generally distinguishable and belong to Ascomycetes or Basidiomycetes. However, for survival in nature they need the companionship of the right kind of algal partner. These fungal partners cannot survive on their own, a fact that is not applicable to their algal partners and many other fungi which can survive on their own.
Lichens use their entire surface area to absorb water and minerals from rainwater. They can even absorb water and minerals directly from the atmosphere. This characteristic property makes lichens extremely sensitive to atmospheric pollution and it is almost impossible for lichens to survive in polluted areas. This is the reason why we find very few lichens around industrial areas and big cities.
The capacity to tolerate pollution varies in different species of lichen. This difference in the tolerance levels make lichens very good biological indicators of the levels atmospheric pollution. .
If you are interested to know the quality of air in your area, just go for a walk around your local churchyard. You will get an idea about air quality in your area. Churchyards are generally undisturbed areas as compared to other busy areas. The stone headstones found in churchyards provide a good substrate for lichens. A close observation of these lichens will provide you with enough indication as to how good is the air quality in your locality.
Uses Over the ages lichens are put to a number of uses. Lichens were extensively used as pigments or dies for clothing before the advent of the present day synthetic dyes. In fact different lichens were used to produce different dye colors and these colors could be mixed in different proportions to produce a wide variety of new colors and shades.
The chemistry of lichens is indeed very interesting. The fact is that lichens produce a large number of acids and many of them are unique in the sense that they are found only in lichens. It would be very interesting to know that the popular litmus dye widely used as an acid/alkaline indicator in laboratories comes from lichens. Yet another important fact about lichens is that some lichen species have antibiotic properties. Some lichen acids are used in antibiotic drugs and are found to be much more effective than penicillin.
The names given to various types of lichens are invariably different from the names of the participating organisms.
Directions: Read the passage and answer the following question.
For professionals who are engaged in naming different kinds of organisms, lichens have always been a very interesting, rather provocative, challenge. The difficulty with lichens is that lichen is not a separate organism in the sense of being one type of individual. It is actually a close partnership between or cohabitation of two different organisms, a fungus and an alga (Algae are very simple plants). The cohabitation is indeed interesting as the partners are quite unlike in the sense that they are profoundly different.
The two types of organisms participating in the partnership are so closely interwoven that they appear as a single organism. The individual appearance of lichen is entirely different from that of either of the partner organisms that make up the structure of the lichen. Lichens are found in many different but recognizable types and each type is different and distinct. A number of these types have been given specific individual names of their own, in spite of the fact that each one of them is already a combination of two or even three different species.
There are about 1,700 known species of lichen in Britain alone. Through out the world about 18,000 distinct species of lichen have been identified and described. The algal partners in lichens, unlike the fungal partners, are photosy
nthetic and are hence capable of living on their own in nature, as independent species in their own right. The fungal partners in British lichens are generally distinguishable and belong to Ascomycetes or Basidiomycetes. However, for survival in nature they need the companionship of the right kind of algal partner. These fungal partners cannot survive on their own, a fact that is not applicable to their algal partners and many other fungi which can survive on their own.
Lichens use their entire surface area to absorb water and minerals from rainwater. They can even absorb water and minerals directly from the atmosphere. This characteristic property makes lichens extremely sensitive to atmospheric pollution and it is almost impossible for lichens to survive in polluted areas. This is the reason why we find very few lichens around industrial areas and big cities.
The capacity to tolerate pollution varies in different species of lichen. This difference in the tolerance levels make lichens very good biological indicators of the levels atmospheric pollution. .
If you are interested to know the quality of air in your area, just go for a walk around your local churchyard. You will get an idea about air quality in your area. Churchyards are generally undisturbed areas as compared to other busy areas. The stone headstones found in churchyards provide a good substrate for lichens. A close observation of these lichens will provide you with enough indication as to how good is the air quality in your locality.
Uses Over the ages lichens are put to a number of uses. Lichens were extensively used as pigments or dies for clothing before the advent of the present day synthetic dyes. In fact different lichens were used to produce different dye colors and these colors could be mixed in different proportions to produce a wide variety of new colors and shades.
The chemistry of lichens is indeed very interesting. The fact is that lichens produce a large number of acids and many of them are unique in the sense that they are found only in lichens. It would be very interesting to know that the popular litmus dye widely used as an acid/alkaline indicator in laboratories comes from lichens. Yet another important fact about lichens is that some lichen species have antibiotic properties. Some lichen acids are used in antibiotic drugs and are found to be much more effective than penicillin.
A lichen is an example of a mutually beneficial cohabitation of two distinct organisms.
Directions: Read the passage and answer the following question.
For professionals who are engaged in naming different kinds of organisms, lichens have always been a very interesting, rather provocative, challenge. The difficulty with lichens is that lichen is not a separate organism in the sense of being one type of individual. It is actually a close partnership between or cohabitation of two different organisms, a fungus and an alga (Algae are very simple plants). The cohabitation is indeed interesting as the partners are quite unlike in the sense that they are profoundly different.
The two types of organisms participating in the partnership are so closely interwoven that they appear as a single organism. The individual appearance of lichen is entirely different from that of either of the partner organisms that make up the structure of the lichen. Lichens are found in many different but recognizable types and each type is different and distinct. A number of these types have been given specific individual names of their own, in spite of the fact that each one of them is already a combination of two or even three different species.
There are about 1,700 known species of lichen in Britain alone. Through out the world about 18,000 distinct species of lichen have been identified and described. The algal partners in lichens, unlike the fungal partners, are photosy
nthetic and are hence capable of living on their own in nature, as independent species in their own right. The fungal partners in British lichens are generally distinguishable and belong to Ascomycetes or Basidiomycetes. However, for survival in nature they need the companionship of the right kind of algal partner. These fungal partners cannot survive on their own, a fact that is not applicable to their algal partners and many other fungi which can survive on their own.
Lichens use their entire surface area to absorb water and minerals from rainwater. They can even absorb water and minerals directly from the atmosphere. This characteristic property makes lichens extremely sensitive to atmospheric pollution and it is almost impossible for lichens to survive in polluted areas. This is the reason why we find very few lichens around industrial areas and big cities.
The capacity to tolerate pollution varies in different species of lichen. This difference in the tolerance levels make lichens very good biological indicators of the levels atmospheric pollution. .
If you are interested to know the quality of air in your area, just go for a walk around your local churchyard. You will get an idea about air quality in your area. Churchyards are generally undisturbed areas as compared to other busy areas. The stone headstones found in churchyards provide a good substrate for lichens. A close observation of these lichens will provide you with enough indication as to how good is the air quality in your locality.
Uses Over the ages lichens are put to a number of uses. Lichens were extensively used as pigments or dies for clothing before the advent of the present day synthetic dyes. In fact different lichens were used to produce different dye colors and these colors could be mixed in different proportions to produce a wide variety of new colors and shades.
The chemistry of lichens is indeed very interesting. The fact is that lichens produce a large number of acids and many of them are unique in the sense that they are found only in lichens. It would be very interesting to know that the popular litmus dye widely used as an acid/alkaline indicator in laboratories comes from lichens. Yet another important fact about lichens is that some lichen species have antibiotic properties. Some lichen acids are used in antibiotic drugs and are found to be much more effective than penicillin.
The ancestors of today's house cats were inhabitants of the Middle East areas.
Directions: Read the passage and answer the following question.
The Cat (Felis silvestris catus), usually called the Domestic Cat or House Cat is a small flesh eating mammal. Cats are normally very active during twilight hours of the day like dogs, deer, mice, red pandas etc. and hence called crepuscular mammals. Domestic cats are considered to be very social and can easily get along with human beings and even with other pets kept by human beings. Another fact that endears cats to human beings is that cats feed on nuisance creating pests like worms, insects and rodents called vermin. Due to these reasons house cats are considered to be good companions to human beings and are greatly valued by them. According to researchers, the human-cat association has been there for more than 10,000 years.
Cats are highly skilled and specialized hunters. It is known that they hunt over 1,000 different species for food. They are also found to possess a higher level of intelligence and have also been known to have learnt to operate simple mechanisms such as doorknobs. Cats use varied vocalizations and typical body language for communication. These vocalizations include mewing (meow or miaow), purring, hissing, growling, squeaking, chirping, clicking, and grunting. Due to their popularity as preferred pets, cats are also bred and shown as registered pedigree pets. This is a hobby known as Cat Fancy.
A study conducted under the aegis of the National Cancer Institute and published in the journal Science says that all house cats are descendents of a group of self-domesticating wild cats called Felis silvestris lybica found in deserts in the middle east area about 10,000 years ago. Another interesting fact about cats in general is that while almost all wildcat subspecies can interbreed, no such cross breeding is seen in domestic cats and they are all genetically contained within the specie.
Cats hunt vermin to be friendly with human beings.
Directions: Read the passage and answer the following question.
The Cat (Felis silvestris catus), usually called the Domestic Cat or House Cat is a small flesh eating mammal. Cats are normally very active during twilight hours of the day like dogs, deer, mice, red pandas etc. and hence called crepuscular mammals. Domestic cats are considered to be very social and can easily get along with human beings and even with other pets kept by human beings. Another fact that endears cats to human beings is that cats feed on nuisance creating pests like worms, insects and rodents called vermin. Due to these reasons house cats are considered to be good companions to human beings and are greatly valued by them. According to researchers, the human-cat association has been there for more than 10,000 years.
Cats are highly skilled and specialized hunters. It is known that they hunt over 1,000 different species for food. They are also found to possess a higher level of intelligence and have also been known to have learnt to operate simple mechanisms such as doorknobs. Cats use varied vocalizations and typical body language for communication. These vocalizations include mewing (meow or miaow), purring, hissing, growling, squeaking, chirping, clicking, and grunting. Due to their popularity as preferred pets, cats are also bred and shown as registered pedigree pets. This is a hobby known as Cat Fancy.
A study conducted under the aegis of the National Cancer Institute and published in the journal Science says that all house cats are descendents of a group of self-domesticating wild cats called Felis silvestris lybica found in deserts in the middle east area about 10,000 years ago. Another interesting fact about cats in general is that while almost all wildcat subspecies can interbreed, no such cross breeding is seen in domestic cats and they are all genetically contained within the specie.
Almost all cat species are genetically contained within the specie.
Directions: Read the passage and answer the following question.
The Cat (Felis silvestris catus), usually called the Domestic Cat or House Cat is a small flesh eating mammal. Cats are normally very active during twilight hours of the day like dogs, deer, mice, red pandas etc. and hence called crepuscular mammals. Domestic cats are considered to be very social and can easily get along with human beings and even with other pets kept by human beings. Another fact that endears cats to human beings is that cats feed on nuisance creating pests like worms, insects and rodents called vermin. Due to these reasons house cats are considered to be good companions to human beings and are greatly valued by them. According to researchers, the human-cat association has been there for more than 10,000 years.
Cats are highly skilled and specialized hunters. It is known that they hunt over 1,000 different species for food. They are also found to possess a higher level of intelligence and have also been known to have learnt to operate simple mechanisms such as doorknobs. Cats use varied vocalizations and typical body language for communication. These vocalizations include mewing (meow or miaow), purring, hissing, growling, squeaking, chirping, clicking, and grunting. Due to their popularity as preferred pets, cats are also bred and shown as registered pedigree pets. This is a hobby known as Cat Fancy.
A study conducted under the aegis of the National Cancer Institute and published in the journal Science says that all house cats are descendents of a group of self-domesticating wild cats called Felis silvestris lybica found in deserts in the middle east area about 10,000 years ago. Another interesting fact about cats in general is that while almost all wildcat subspecies can interbreed, no such cross breeding is seen in domestic cats and they are all genetically contained within the specie.