The Purr Puzzle: teacher key

Cats, grade 8 edition, written for 8th grade. Scientists once thought the brain ordered every purr. A 2023 study found a voice box can make purr-range sounds on its own. Read what is known, what is argued, and how cats talk.

Read the book. Print this page for the key.

Questions and answers

1. What did the 2023 study find about cat voice boxes?
   • They need constant brain orders to purr
   • They could make purr-range sounds with no brain signals and no muscle action (answer)
   • They cannot make any sound
2. What was argued about purring in the 2003 answer?
   • It is only a sign of being happy
   • It is more likely a way to communicate, and perhaps to heal (answer)
   • It is only for kittens
3. Does the healing idea prove why cats purr?
   • Yes, fully
   • It was proven in 2023
   • No, the answer said it does not prove why (answer)
4. What is an urgent purr?
   • A loud roar
   • A soft, low purr with a cry tucked inside (answer)
   • A purr made only by lions
5. What does the word resonate mean here?
   • Ring with a low rumble (answer)
   • Break in half
   • Grow quickly

Words

• purr: soft cat hum
• hyoid: throat bone
• pinnae: ear flaps
• resonate: ring with sound
• frustration: feeling blocked