The world above the forest floor can be observed by all of US. Rarely, however, do we
take the time to notice the teeming life and bustling activity that occurs beneath the ground
we walk on.
Of all soil-dwelling creatures, the most abundant are mites and springtails, insect-like
creatures that literally eat their way through caverns of subterranean vegetation. The tiny,
eight-legged mites lay their eggs on plant matter, which their larvae eat and convert into
fresh soil. The bright-colored springtails are named for their ability to leap long distances
during their search for decomposed plant matter to eat.
Both mites and springtails are prey to a host of soil-dwelling predators. They thus anchor
one end of the food chain that extends to higher forms of forest “lowlife”, such as moles that
feed on earthworms and shrews that eat beetles.
Those mammals, in turn, dig tunnels that function as underground byways for other
subterranean species. Hibernating chipmunks, turtles, and salamanders sift and mix the soil
when they burrow to winter dens. Cottontails and gray foxes excavate shallow dens as
sanctuary from predators and harsh weather, while gray squirrels, hiding acorns for the lean
season, further blend the earth. From microbe to people, thousands of species work the land
upon which all life depends.
28. According to the passage, which of the following are the most numerous inhabitants of
the soil?
A. Foxes and cottontails B. Earthworms and ants
C. Mites and springtails D. Shrews and moles
29. According to the passage, all of the following are true about mites and springtails
EXCEPT .
A. they make new soil
B. they resemble insects
C. they form the lower end of the food chain
D. they hibernate for the winter
30. An example of predator and prey given in this passage is .
A. mites and springtails B. moles and earthworms
C. turtles and salamanders D. gray squirrels and acorns
31. Which of the following animals live underground during the winter?
A. Shrews B. Foxes C. Squirrels D. Salamanders
32. According to the author, the contribution that all the animals mentioned in the passage
make to their habitat is .
A. they work the soil B. they form the food chain
C. they find safety in the soil D. they convert plant material to new earth
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