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2018 ‫מועד חורף‬ - 39 - ‫ פרק ראשון‬- ‫אנגלית‬

Reading Comprehension

This part consists of two passages, each followed by several related questions. For each
question, choose the most appropriate answer based on the text.

Text I (Questions 13-17)

(1) The deep, clear waters of Lake Malawi – the third largest lake in Africa – are home
to hundreds of fish species. Because the lake is isolated from other bodies of water,
nearly all of these species are endemic. The area and its fish thus provide scientists with
invaluable insight into an undisturbed ecosystem.

(5) Most of the fish species in Lake Malawi belong to the cichlid family. These
beautifully colored fish are divided into two main groups: mbuna cichlids and peacock
cichlids. Mbuna, which means rock dweller, is a name well suited to the cichlids that
inhabit the shallow, rocky waters along the shores of Lake Malawi. Peacock cichlids,
on the other hand, populate the lake's vast open waters. They owe their name to the fact

(10) that their coloration is reminiscent of the peacock bird. In both cichlid groups, the
males are more vividly colored than the females and are able to change their color if
threatened.

To see these spectacular fish, one need not travel all the way to Africa, but only as
far as the nearest pet store. Cichlids have become extremely popular aquarium fish

(15) because they are attractive and easy to take care of. Most of the cichlids sold in stores
are not imported directly from Africa, but have been bred locally. Although some claim
that tank-bred cichlids are not as brilliantly colored as those that come from their
natural habitat, they are still very striking. Either way, people are thrilled to have a
reminder of Lake Malawi's living treasure in their homes.

Questions

13. Which of the following statements about Lake Malawi cannot be learned from the first

paragraph?

(1) It contains more fish species than any other lake in Africa.
(2) It is of great interest to scientists.
(3) Most of the fish that live there are endemic.
(4) It is an isolated body of water.

)‫© כל הזכויות שמורות למרכז ארצי לבחינות ולהערכה (ע"ר‬
.‫ בלא אישור בכתב מהמרכז הארצי לבחינות ולהערכה‬- ‫ כולה או חלקים ממנה‬- ‫ או ללמדה‬,‫אין להעתיק או להפיץ בחינה זו או קטעים ממנה בכל צורה ובכל אמצעי‬