Question

the amazon river basin is home to several species of river dolphins, also called botos. in 2014, a group of scientists headed by biologist tomas hrbek published a study announcing the discovery of a new river dolphin species.
the study concluded that dolphins found in the araguaia river in brazil are distinct from their cousins elsewhere in the amazon. the araguaian botos share some characteristics with other amazon dolphins, like a long, toothy beak and pink - gray skin. however, araguaian botos appear to have a different number of teeth, unique skull features, and slightly different dna.
not everyone is convinced, though. hrbeks team could examine only a few animals, and critics argue that more specimens need to be studied. if the studys findings are confirmed, however, the araguaian boto would be the first new river dolphin species discovered in almost a hundred years!
which authors purpose is suggested by the text?
to explain the steps the scientists took to study river dolphins in the amazon
to inform readers about the possible discovery of a new river dolphin species in the amazon
to persuade readers that there is not enough proof that araguaian river dolphins are a separate species

Explanation:

The text mainly talks about a study announcing the discovery of a new river dolphin species (the Araguaian boto) in the Amazon River basin, its characteristics, and the fact that not everyone is convinced (but it's about the discovery possibility). It doesn't detail the steps scientists took (so first option wrong). It also doesn't aim to persuade that there's not enough proof (third option wrong as it just presents the discovery and the criticism, not a one - sided persuasion against). It's focused on informing about the possible new species discovery.

Answer:

to inform readers about the possible discovery of a new river dolphin species in the Amazon