Whale Traits Open Response

This passage describes what whales look like, emphasizing their size, body shape, and physical adaptations for ocean life. It highlights differences in coloration and size among species, like blue whales and orcas, and explains how their streamlined bodies help them move through water efficiently. Students also learn about baleen and how it helps whales feed on tiny organisms.

By reading this, students enhance their descriptive vocabulary and scientific observation skills. The passage encourages attention to text details and supports compare-and-contrast comprehension. It also introduces biological and structural terms, improving students’ understanding of informational text features and context clues.