Morning Starters: Autumn 2 - Strange but True
Did You Know?
The mysterious oarfish is the longest bony fish on Earth, capable of reaching an astonishing length of up to 11 metres. With its snake-like body and shimmering silver scales, it’s no wonder this creature has often been mistaken for a monstrous sea serpent. Despite its fearsome appearance, the oarfish is a harmless filter-feeder and rarely seen by humans. It has earned the nickname “Doomsday Fish” because its sightings have coincided with natural disasters like tsunamis and earthquakes.
Word Challenge
Copy and correct just the words (listed below) that have a spelling error:
1) misterious
2) coincided
3) appearence
4) monstrus
Hint: All of the words appear in the ‘Did you know?’ paragraph.
Grammar Challenge
Rewrite the sentence below, adding a relative clause.
The beautiful oarfish was washed up on the beach.
Example:
The magnificent oarfish, which is rarely seen alive, was washed up on the beach.
Note: A relative clause can start with the following relative pronouns: where, which, who, whose, when and that.
Number Challenge
An oarfish has a body length of 560 cm. When it tries to escape a predator, it loses part of its tail, which reduces its body length by one eighth.
What is the new body length of the oarfish after losing part of its tail?
Critical Thinking
Scientists have recently discovered a brand new species of deep ocean fish with an unusual body shape.
Make a quick sketch of this fish.
Be prepared to explain why you think its body is shaped the way you have drawn it.