Read carefully the passage given below, and then attempt the questions that follow:
Parrots are one
of the oldest types of birds known to exist. Fossil remains of parrots show
they have been around since prehistoric times, and they haven’t changed for
thousands of years. Today there are more than 600 species of parrots, but they
are limited almost entirely to the tropics. Parrots are common in Southern
Asia, North America, Australia and the Malaysian islands. Parrots are very
hardy birds, and generally live for a long time. They easily adapt themselves to
any sort of living condition. This is one of the reasons why sailors have
always liked to take parrots along as companions. They are colourful and
amusing, and, of course when they learn to ‘talk’ they are fun to have around.
Even though the parrot is a tropical bird, it gets along comfortably in
captivity and can be happy even in cold climates. At home, parrots prefer the
forest and live in great flocks. A little known fact about parrots is that they
are very brave and loyal birds. If a danger appears, the whole flock stands by,
and fights together to overcome it.
Questions:
1. Since how
long have the parrots been around?
2. Is the parrot
individualistic, and weak in constitution?
3. In which
parts of the world are parrots found?
4. Why do
sailors take parrots along as companions?
5. How and when
do parrots show their bravery?
6. State whether
the following statements are ‘True’ of ‘False’:
(i) Parrots can
survive only in Tropical countries.
(ii) Parrots
die in captivity.
(iii) Parrots
are gloomy like the owl.
7. Find in the passage
single words which mean:
(i) Any remains
or trace of an animal or a plant of a former geological age.
(ii) A distinct
biological category.
(iii) The
terrestrial region between 231⁄2°N
and 23%° S of the Equator.
