Reptile Reproduction

This passage explains how Komodo dragons reproduce. Males compete for mates between May and August by wrestling, using their tails and claws. Females lay about 20 eggs in burrows, which hatch after 7-8 months. Hatchlings climb trees to avoid predators and gradually grow into large, independent adults capable of surviving in harsh environments.

Students gain understanding of life science and animal reproduction while expanding domain-specific vocabulary. The passage reinforces sequencing and cause-effect relationships, improving comprehension and writing organization. It also teaches students how structure supports clarity in expository texts.