Measuring a Giant: teacher key

Green Anacondas, grade 9 edition, written for 9th grade. One reference says the biggest size of a green anaconda is much disputed. Look at what scientists measured, what they could not confirm, and how the snakes live.

Read the book. Print this page for the key.

Questions and answers

1. As of February 2024, what maximum total length does Reptiles of Ecuador give for females?
   • 6.6 meters (answer)
   • 66 meters
   • 0.66 meters
2. What does Reptiles of Ecuador say about reports of anacondas 11.4 meters long?
   • They are proven
   • They have not been confirmed (answer)
   • They are common
3. Which is true of a green anaconda compared with a reticulated python?
   • The anaconda is much heavier (answer)
   • The anaconda is much longer
   • They weigh the same
4. Why might measurements of the biggest anacondas stay unsure?
   • Anacondas cannot be measured
   • There are no anacondas left
   • Reports of huge sizes have not been confirmed (answer)
5. What does migrate mean?
   • Sleep for weeks
   • Move between places (answer)
   • Hide in mud

Words

• Eunectes: anaconda group
• constrictor: a squeezing snake
• digestion: breaking down food
• migrate: move between places