Read the passage and answer the questions that follow on the basis of the…
2024
Read the passage and answer the questions that follow on the basis of the information provided in the passage.
Male lions are rather reticent about expending their energy in hunting. More than three quarters of kills are made by lionesses who are in front, tensely scanning ahead, the cubs lagging playfully behind and the males bringing up the rear, walking slowly, their massive heads nodding with each step as if they were bored with the whole matter. But slothfulness may have survival value. With lionesses busy hunting, the males function as guard for the cubs, protecting them particularly from hyenas.
Male lions protect their cubs
- A.
from the members of their own species
- B.
from hyenas only
- C.
from hyenas as much as from other enemies
- D.
more from hyenas than from other animals
Attempted by 5 students.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: D
Answer: males protect their cubs more from hyenas than from other animals.
Explanation: "particularly from hyenas" is the key phrase in the passage. It highlights hyenas as a primary threat, so males are described as protecting cubs especially against hyenas rather than equally against all enemies.
Why this choice is correct: The passage explicitly notes protection "particularly from hyenas," indicating hyenas pose a greater threat than other animals.
Why 'from hyenas only' is wrong: 'Particularly' does not mean 'only'; other enemies may also threaten cubs.
Why 'from hyenas as much as from other enemies' is wrong: That implies equal threat, but the passage indicates hyenas are a more significant threat.
Why 'from the members of their own species' is wrong: The passage makes no claim that conspecifics are the primary threat to cubs.