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Information and IdeasEasyMain idea about zebra stripes

Information and Ideas practice question

A zebra's stripes are not camouflage — not against lions, at least, whose eyesight is too poor to make out stripes at hunting distances. Recent experiments point instead to biting flies, which land far less often on striped surfaces than on plain ones.

Which choice best states the main idea of the text?

  1. A. Zebra stripes seem to deter biting flies rather than hide zebras from lions.Correct
  2. B. Lions hunt zebras by following their stripes.
  3. C. Zebras have no natural predators.
  4. D. Biting flies prefer striped surfaces to plain ones.

Answer: A. Zebra stripes seem to deter biting flies rather than hide zebras from lions.

The text rules out one explanation (camouflage from lions) and offers another (flies). Choice A states both halves.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. Lions hunt zebras by following their stripes.
The text says lions can't even see the stripes at hunting distance.
C. Zebras have no natural predators.
Lions are described as hunters of zebras.
D. Biting flies prefer striped surfaces to plain ones.
Flies land LESS often on stripes, according to the text.

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