Third Grade
Worksheets
Jerboas
Jerboas are tiny rodents that live in the deserts in Asia and Africa. They look like they might be part kangaroo and part mouse. Jerboas have short front legs. Their hind legs are big and strong. The word "jerboa" comes from the Arabic word "yarbu," which means "big thighs." Jerboas use their strong legs to jump. They can jump as far as ten feet in one jump. That is an amazing distance for such a tiny animal. Jerboas are about six inches long and weigh two and a half ounces.
Jerboas have long tails. Sometimes their tails are ten inches long. Their tails have a little bunch of white hairs at the tip. Jerboas use their tails to steer themselves when they jump. They also use their tails to balance themselves when they sit.
