The dik-dik is a type of antelope native to Southern and Eastern Africa. However, dikdiks are no ordinary antelopes. Unlike their larger cousins, some of which stand at over 1.5 meters tall, dik-diks are known for their tiny size; a fully grown dik-dik will normally reach no more than 16 inches in height . Of course, their size makes them an easy target for predators , including big cats, birds of prey , and, sadly, humans. Nevertheless, amazingly , these tiny hoofed creatures can reach running speeds of almost 30 mph, which means they do have some protection against larger animals.
The first thing about dik-diks that may pique your curiosity is their unusual name. The word “dik-dik” actually comes from a sound that these animals make. If a dik-dik senses danger, it will run around in a zigzag pattern and make a “dik-dik” sound to alert other animals nearby that trouble may be on the way .
Next is the dik-dik’s distinctive appearance. Most notably , they have large eyes and long eyelashes. In addition, below each eye is a large black spot. It is from here that the dik-dik secretes sticky black tears, which it uses to mark its territory. Dik-diks also mark their territory through a so-called defecation ceremony. First, the female of a pair marks an area by excreting her dung and urine. Then, the male, after spreading the female’s dung over the ground with his foot, excretes his own dung and urine on top of hers. A dik-dik’s excretionsare particularly effective in marking an area because these creatures do not drink. Therefore, the waste they produce is especially dry and concentrated .
So there you have it . If you ever visit Africa, be on the lookout for these tiny and adorable creatures scurrying around in thick grass.
1. Which of the following statements is NOT true?
(A) Dik-diks do not cry tears.
(B) Dik-diks live in grassy areas.
(C) Dik-diks make a distinctive sound.
(D) Dik-diks are indigenous to the African continent.
2. What can be inferred from the passage?
(A) The dik-dik is the world’s smallest hoofed animal.
(B) Dik-diks feed on the waste of other animals.
(C) Dik-diks commonly go around in pairs.
(D) The dik-dik has a strong sense of smell.
3. Where is this passage most likely to appear?
(A) In a medical journal.
(B) In a blog post about big cats.
(C) In a nature magazine.
(D) In an editorial about the meat industry.
4. Tiffany needs to finish her homework on dikdiks. Which of the following notes is NOT true?
