Экзаменационный (типовой) материал ОГЭ / Английский / 13-19 задание / 64

         When most people think of dolphins, they imagine the gray, friendly-looking animals that live in the ocean. Although these are the most well-known type of dolphins, more than 20 other kinds of dolphins exist. Almost all dolphins live in the salty, warm waters of oceans around the world, but four kinds live in freshwater rivers where water is not salty. Of these four, the pink Amazon river dolphin called boto, is the most unusual.
         The colours of botos can be very different. Some have skin which is only a little bit pink, but others are as bright pink as flamingos. Scientists still do not understand why the botos’ skin is pink or why they can be so different in colour. Some scientists believe that it all depends on how much time the dolphin spends in the sun or how physically active it is. The one thing scientists do know for sure is that the young botos are blue-gray in colour and do not become completely pink until they are adults.
         The unusual colouring of pink dolphins is not the only thing that makes them different from their more common cousins. Botos also have long, thin noses that help them catch fish in places where it is difficult to move around. They are the only kind of dolphins that can turn their heads 180 degrees. They can do it because of the way the small bones of their neck are connected to each other. This allows botos to move around easily, which is another advantage when they are swimming in rivers.
         In the low-lying river areas of South America, the forests often get flooded during the long rainy season. The water actually becomes deep enough that botos are able to swim through the forests, using their natural flexibility to make their way in between trees! The flooded forests turn into lakes full of fish, and botos feel safe there: even though people also like fishing, they cannot use nets in a forest!
         Those who are worried about ecology in general, are especially worried about the future of botos in South America. Usually, people do not hunt dolphins because there are many myths and legends surrounding these animals. However, the dolphins do compete with fishermen for food. Botos can get in fishermen’s nets and hurt themselves or even die. There is also a growing problem with pollution in the rivers where the dolphins live – every year there is less and less space where botos can live safely and where they can find enough food to eat.
         In 2018 botos were listed on the Red list of endangered animals. Many people are doing their best to make sure that these friendly pink creatures remain safe and protected in the warm waters of South American rivers.

13. Botos are the kind of dolphins that don’t live in the sea.