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Student Article

Manatees: Gentle Sea Cows of Rivers and Oceans

Originally Published in  Discover Wildlife

Discover the peaceful manatee, an ocean herbivore often called a sea cow. Learn where it lives, what it eats, and how people are working to protect it from danger.

The article "Manatees: Gentle Sea Cows of Rivers and Oceans" from BBC's Discover Wildlife is a guide to these slow-moving aquatic mammals. It explains the different types of manatees, their habitats, diet, size, and how they reproduce. It also highlights the threats they face and the conservation efforts underway to protect them from extinction.
Student Article Info

BBC's Discover Wildlife brings you closer to nature with expert advice, conservation news, the best nature writing and stunning wildlife photography. Learn more about subscriptions here.

Grades:
3-56-89-12
Subject:
Science
Topic:
Environmental Science
Keywords
Manateessea cowsaquatic mammalsendangered specieshabitat conservation
Underwater image of a manatee
© Getty

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: 400-500L
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2
Level 2 Reading Passage
Grades: 6-8Lexile Level: 800L-1000L
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3
Level 3 Reading Passage
Grades: 9-12Lexile Level: 1000-1100L
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