Following the Makos: teacher key

Mako Sharks, grade 6 edition, written for 6th grade. Scientists tag makos to follow them across the ocean. Learn what the tags show and how makos are doing.

Read the book. Print this page for the key.

Questions and answers

1. How do pop-up tags send their data?
   • By satellite (answer)
   • By mail
   • By phone cable
2. How deep did tagged makos stay about 90 percent of the time?
   • Below 2,300 feet
   • In the top 160 feet (answer)
   • On the sea floor
3. Tagged makos came back to the same offshore areas year after year. What does that suggest?
   • Makos are lost
   • Makos cannot swim far
   • Makos return to places that matter to them (answer)
4. How do scientists follow makos?
   • They put tags on them (answer)
   • They call them
   • They follow them on foot
5. What does the IUCN Red List say about the shortfin mako, as of November 2026?
   • It is not at risk
   • It is Endangered (answer)
   • It is extinct
6. What do makos do for ocean communities?
   • Make them bigger
   • Nothing
   • Help keep them balanced (answer)

Words

• satellite: orbiting machine
• predator: animal hunter
• Endangered: at risk
• nursery: place for young