Paragraphs: seahorse

2 - The Grammar Bit

The Grammar Bit!

Read the information on seahorses opposite. You will notice that it is organised into three paragraphs. A paragraph is a collection of sentences based around a particular topic or idea. When the topic or idea changes, a new paragraph is needed. A long piece of writing is much easier to read if it is divided into paragraphs.

See if you can answer the following questions:

  • Which paragraph is about seahorses using camouflage to hide from predators?
  • Which paragraph is about the dangers of being a small fish in the ocean?
  • Which paragraph talks about different survival strategies?

Scintillating Sentences

Ocean Survival

The ocean can be a perilous place for little creatures. In fact, most fish don’t make it to adulthood because they are eaten by larger creatures. Predators such as sharks and sea snakes like nothing more than feasting on small fish.

If you are small and live in the ocean, it is important to have a survival strategy. Many small fish gather in large shoals for protection. Some enterprising fish simply make friends with a bigger fish, offering cleaning services in exchange for protection.

Seahorses are small fish that use disguise and camouflage to avoid being detected. Just like land-living chameleons, they can quickly change colour (and sometimes texture) to ‘disappear’ from sight by blending in with their background. It is possible to stare at a sea fan coral for hours without even noticing a pygmy seahorse hidden within.

Did you know?

Seahorses have excellent eyesight. Their eyes are able to work independently on either side of their head. This means they can look forwards and backwards at the same time!