Why Do Dolphins Jump? | A2 ESL Science Reading Passage

Use this A2-B1 ESL science reading passage to learn why dolphins jump. It includes key vocabulary, reading comprehension questions, and answers for English learners.

Dolphins may jump to breathe, move, communicate, or play.

Reading Level

A2-B1

Word Count

233 words

Reading Passage

A dolphin is a sea mammal. Unlike fish, dolphins must come to the surface to breathe. One thing people often notice is that dolphins can jump out of the water.

Dolphins may jump for several reasons. Sometimes jumping helps them move quickly. A dolphin can leap above the water and then return to the sea with speed.

Jumping may also help dolphins communicate. A loud splash can send a message to other dolphins. It may help them find each other or show excitement.

Dolphins may jump when they play. Young dolphins often leap, spin, and splash. Play can help animals practice movement and learn about their bodies.

Jumping can also help remove small animals from the skin. A parasite may stick to a dolphin. Hitting the water after a jump can help knock some parasites away.

Dolphins also come to the surface to breathe. A jump can bring the dolphin into the air quickly, but dolphins do not need to jump every time they breathe.

Dolphins jump for movement, communication, play, and body care. One jump can have more than one reason.

Dolphins jump for several reasons, including breathing, play, and communication.

Key Vocabulary

Word	Meaning	Example
dolphin	a smart sea mammal that breathes air	A dolphin can jump above the water.
jump	to push the body up into the air	Dolphins jump and splash.
communicate	to share information or feelings	Dolphins communicate with sounds and movement.
breathe	to take air into the body	Dolphins surface to breathe.
parasite	a small living thing that lives on or in another living thing	A parasite may stick to a dolphin's skin.

Reading Comprehension Questions

1. Why must dolphins come to the surface?
2. How can jumping help dolphins move?
3. How can a splash help dolphins?
4. Why do young dolphins jump and play?
5. How can jumping help with parasites?

Answers

1. Dolphins must come to the surface to breathe.
2. A dolphin can leap and return to the water with speed.
3. A splash can send a message to other dolphins.
4. Play helps them practice movement and learn about their bodies.
5. Hitting the water can help knock some parasites away.

Short Summary

Dolphins jump for many reasons. Jumping can help them move, communicate, play, breathe, and remove parasites.

More Easy Readings

• How Do Fish Breathe Underwater? | A2 ESL Science Reading Passage
• Why Do Frogs Croak? | A2 ESL Science Reading Passage
• Why Do Penguins Not Fly? | A2 ESL Science Reading Passage