Read It! Read these two different texts about manatees. When you have finished reading, click =CONTINUE=>.

Text 1

Manatees are water mammals. They live underwater. Manatees have to come up for air to breathe. Manatees surface every 3 to 5 minutes, but they can hold their breath for up to 20 minutes!

Manatees are known by scientists as aquatic herbivores. Aquatic means they live in water. Herbivore means they eat only plants. They graze for food for 8 to 10 hours a day.

Text 2

Manatees are mammals. They live in warm water. Manatees stay under water. They must swim up to the surface for air.

Florida is home to most manatees in the U.S. In summertime, manatees have also been spotted in other states like Texas, Alabama, Georgia and South Carolina. They have been seen as far north as Massachusetts.

Manatees feed on water plants. They do not eat meat. The average adult will eat up to 100 pounds of plants per day! They have to support their weight of 800 to 1,200 pounds. Some people call manatees sea cows. Manatees are more closely related to elephants than cows.

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