Information and IdeasEasy–MediumLocating an accepted explanation
Information and Ideas practice question
Ravens have been seen sliding down snowy roofs on their backs, then climbing up and sliding again. Biologists once assumed the sliding had a purpose — practice for some useful skill — but no skill has been found that it improves. The explanation now generally accepted is the simplest: the birds do it because they enjoy it.
According to the text, why do biologists now think ravens slide down roofs?
- A. Because the birds enjoy it.Correct
- B. To practise landing in snow.
- C. To reach food on the ground below.
- D. To escape from predators.
Answer: A. Because the birds enjoy it.
The final sentence gives the accepted explanation: enjoyment.
Why the other answers are wrong
- B. To practise landing in snow.
- Practice was the OLD assumption, and no skill was found.
- C. To reach food on the ground below.
- Food isn't mentioned.
- D. To escape from predators.
- Predators aren't mentioned.
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