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Practice Reading: Multiple Choice, Single Answer ID: #52489 Horseshoe crabs
Instructions ›
Read the text and answer the multiple-choice question by selecting the correct response. Only one response is correct.
Horseshoe crabs, also known as Limulidae, are ancient marine arthropods that have been around for over 300 million years, predating even the dinosaurs. These fascinating creatures are found along the Atlantic and Pacific coasts of North America and Asia, inhabiting shallow, sandy or muddy bottoms. Horseshoe crabs are characterized by their distinctive horseshoe-shaped shell, which protects their delicate bodies. They have ten legs, of which the first pair is modified into chelicerae for grasping prey. Horseshoe crabs are filter feeders, using their specialized legs to sift through sand and mud for small worms, crustaceans, and mollusks. These ancient arthropods play a crucial role in the marine ecosystem. They serve as food for various marine predators, including fish, birds, and shorebirds. Their eggs, which are laid in large numbers along shorelines, are a vital food source for migratory birds. Additionally, horseshoe crabs' blood contains a unique compound called amebocyte lysate (AL), which is used in the manufacturing of medical diagnostics. Despite their ecological and economic importance, horseshoe crabs face numerous threats, including habitat loss, overfishing, and biomedical bleeding. Conservation efforts are underway to protect these vital creatures and ensure their continued survival in the marine environment.

Which of the following most accurately summarizes the opinion of the author in the text?

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Result:

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Option 3: "Horseshoe crabs are found in North America and Asia, and their eggs are a vital food source for migratory birds."

Explanation: This option accurately summarizes key points from the text. It mentions the geographical distribution of horseshoe crabs and highlights the significance of their eggs as a food source for migratory birds, which aligns with the author's emphasis on their ecological role. This reflects the main ideas presented in the text.

Option 1: "Horseshoe crabs play a crucial role in the marine ecosystem, but they have been overexploited and face numerous threats."

Explanation: While the text does mention that horseshoe crabs play a crucial role in the marine ecosystem and face threats, this option does not accurately summarize the author's opinion. The main focus of the text is on their ecological importance and unique characteristics rather than solely on overexploitation. Therefore, it presents a partial view of the author's perspective.

Option 2: "Horseshoe crab's importance to the environment and the economy is often not understood."

Explanation: This option suggests a misunderstanding of horseshoe crabs' importance, which is not a central theme in the text. The author clearly outlines their ecological and economic significance, indicating that their importance is recognized rather than misunderstood. Thus, this option misrepresents the author's opinion.

Option 4: "Horseshoe crab’s blood contains a unique compound called amebocyte lysate."

Explanation: Although the text states that horseshoe crab blood contains amebocyte lysate, this option focuses solely on a specific detail rather than summarizing the author's overall opinion. It lacks the broader context of the ecological and economic importance discussed in the text, making it an incomplete representation of the author's views.

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