What is the main idea of the passage?

Albatrosses reduce flapping by repeatedly gliding across layers of different wind speed and controlling a curved flight path. (The explanation centers on the wind gradient, repeated crossings, and active adjustment rather than passive floating.)

Why does the albatross repeatedly change height?

Crossing faster and slower air lets it gain and exchange energy during the glide. (The second and third paragraphs connect the climbing-descending circuit with extracting useful motion from the gradient.)

What does “gradient” mean in this passage?

a gradual change in wind speed across height (The passage describes slower air near the surface and faster air above, which forms the gradient.)

When may an albatross still flap?

during takeoff (The final paragraph lists takeoff among situations in which flapping is still needed.)

The Albatross Rides the Wind: Level 3 Reading Comprehension Questions

An albatross can travel over open ocean for long periods with little flapping. Its long, narrow wings work efficiently as the bird glides, but wing shape alone does not supply endless energy. The moving air above waves helps sustain the journey.

Wind close to the sea is slowed by friction with the surface. Air somewhat higher moves faster. An albatross repeatedly crosses this difference in wind speed. It climbs and turns through faster air, then descends toward the slower layer, adjusting its direction through the cycle. This technique is called dynamic soaring.

Each circuit lets the bird exchange speed, height, and energy from the wind gradient. The path may look like smooth arcs rather than a straight line. Waves can also shape the air and provide shelter from stronger wind near their lower side.

The bird still flaps during takeoff, landing, weak winds, or changes that demand it. Dynamic soaring is not effortless floating. It is active control of wings and route, allowing an albatross to draw useful motion from a layered atmosphere.

Comprehension questions