READING COMPREHENSION You are going to read some information about gorillas. Read carefully and answer the questions below. Write your answers in complete sentences. Gorillas frown, cry, chuckle, and smile. They even chew their bottom lips when they are nervous. They like to sunbathe with their hands clasped behind their heads. These unusual animals live about as long as humans do. They live in families, just as humans do. A full-grown male is the head of a family. When a male gorilla is between ten and fourteen years old, the black hair on his back turns gray. These males are then called “ silverbacks. ” The silverbacks decide everything for their families. Koko is a very famous gorilla. She was raised by humans from the time she was on orphan baby. Scientists taught Koko how to “ talk ” using sign language. Koko learned over 500 sign language words. She can tell what she wants, how she feels, and even make jokes! Gorillas are in danger now, they are being hunted and their jungle homes are being cut down. Fewer than 700 mountain gorillas are alive in the jungle today. The world of gorillas is getting smaller every year.

Think and Answer 1. What are four ways gorillas are like humans? 2. What happens to a male gorilla between ten and fourteen years of age? 3. What are the male gorillas called then? 4. What did Koko learn how to do? 5. Why are gorillas in danger? 6. How many gorillas are alive in the jungle today?

VOCABULARY BUILDING Match the words with the definitions WORD ___a. Raise ___b. Chew ___c. Clasp ___d. Frown ___e. Cut down ___f. Chuckle DEFINITION 1.To make a serious, angry or worried expression by wrinkling the brow. 2.To laugh quietly or to oneself. 3.To bite and grind with the teeth; masticate. 4.To care for a child or young animal; educate. 5.To reduce the size, amount or number of something. 6.To grip firmly in or with the hand; grasp.