Read the Passage: As you read, visualize what it would be like to visit the cave.

The Cave of Niaux
In Southwestern France, there are caves covered with paintings from prehistoric times. One of the least known but most impressive of these caves is the Grotte de Niaux (nee-OH), located on the banks of the Vicdessos River in the Pyrenees Mountains. The paintings were created between 12,000 and 11,000 BC by the group of hunter-gatherers called the Magdalenian.
When the visitors enter the cave they are led by a guide with a lantern. They may carry their own flashlight, but only to guide their feet. To protect the ancient, delicate art, only the guide’s light can show the paintings.
After a long, dark, damp walk, the guide stops and shines the lantern on the walls. Visitors gasp and the sight of red and black paintings of horses, bison and deer that cover the cave walls. Some of the animals are pierced with arrows; others are shown running or standing. Although the drawings are simple, they clearly represent the animals portrayed. They were painted with brushes made of animal hair and pigments made from charcoal and iron. A half dozen rooms are covered with this artwork, and some paintings even decorate the cave ceilings. It is hard to believe that people living over 10, 000 years ago created realistic paintings that visitors can still view today.

Questions:
Strategy Practice: What adjectives/phrases help you to visualize the walk through the cave. Write down 3-4 of them
Answer:

Skills Practice: Answer the following in full sentences and use text details in your answers.

Why are the paintings so well preserved? Think: What is done to protect them?
Answer:
Why do so many tourists visit these caves? Think: What might interest them about the paintings?
Answer:
Look at the photos above; what looks realistic to you about the animals shown? Think: What makes it look like a real animal?
Answer: