Classroom Resources  
Student Article

The Poop-Propelled "Headless Chicken Monster" of the Deep Sea

By: Dr. Helen Scales
Originally Published in  Science Focus

It feeds on marine snow — and has a see-through digestive tract.

The article "The Poop-Propelled "Headless Chicken Monster" of the Deep Sea" from Science Focus explores the Enypniastes eximia, a bizarre deep-sea sea cucumber. This transparent, glowing creature feeds on marine snow and can shed its skin to evade predators, playing a crucial role in deep-sea ecosystems.
Student Article Info

BBC's Science Focus is packed with news, discoveries, ideas and innovations to keep you up-to-speed with the complexities of the fast-moving world around us. Learn more about subscriptions here.

Grades:
Subject:
A conical-shaped, jellyfish-like sea creature in deep water
© NOAA Office of Ocean Exploration and Research

Most passages are available in three different versions: Level 1 (Grade 3-5), Level 2 (Grade 6-8), and Level 3 (Grade 9-12). Some more complex texts are available only in Level 2 and Level 3. Use the versions that are most appropriate for the students in your class.

Note: The BBC Learning Hub Editorial Team made use of AI tools to create multiple versions of this article, each tailored to different student reading levels. Every version undergoes a thorough review by our BBC Learning editors to ensure accuracy, quality, and appropriateness.

1
Level 1 Reading Passage
Grades: 3-5Lexile Level: 410L - 600L
Preview
2
Level 2 Reading Passage
Grades: 6-8Lexile Level: 800L - 1000L
Preview
3
Level 3 Reading Passage
Grades: 9-12Lexile Level: 1000L-1200L
Preview
Share: