Hedgehogs

For questions 9-16, read the text below and think of the word which best fits each gap. Use only one word in each gap. There is an example at the beginning (0).

 

Hedgehogs 

A hedgehog ls a small mammal characterised (0)_BY_ the sharp spines which cover its body. (9)_________ hedgehogs are found in many different parts of the world, none is native to either America or Australia.

AII species of hedgehog share the ability (10)_________ roll into a tight ball when attacked, (11)_________ that their spines point outwards. The effectiveness of this as a defence mechanism , depends, of course , (12)_________ the number of spines the hedgehog has. Some desert hedgehogs have evolved to carry (13)_________ weight, and consequently, they have fewer spines and are thus more likely to attempt to run into their attacker, using their ball rolling ability (14)_________ a last resort.

Hedgehogs are primarily nocturnal and sleep for much of the day, either under cover of bushes (15)_________ in a hole in the ground. Despite the (16)_________. that all hedgehogs can hibernate, not all choose to do so; in suitable conditions, some will stay awake all year round.

 

O’Dell, Felicity (2015) Reading and Use of English Test 1 Part 2. 2^nd edition. Cambridge University Press: Dubai. Pages 16.