Question

read the passage.
nectar, or the sugary liquid that flowers often secrete, is a staple of a butterflys diet. this type of insect lacks oral structures that would enable it to chew food, and as a result, liquids are its main source of nutrition. since nectar is frequently produced near a flowers base and is not easily accessible, a butterfly feeds using a proboscis—a long tubelike mouthpiece that can measure up to 1.5 times the length of its body. the proboscis functions similarly to an extendable straw that can be stretched and retracted at will; a butterfly can keep this mouthpiece tucked securely underneath its head until its time to eat, then extend the proboscis to obtain nectar deep inside flowers. certain species of butterfly also use the proboscis to draw nutrients from rotting fruit, puddles, and moist patches of sand and soil.
based on the passage, what is the main benefit of a butterflys proboscis?
a butterfly can use its proboscis to extract otherwise hard - to - reach nectar in flowers.
a butterfly can extend and retract its proboscis to communicate with other butterflies.
a butterfly can extend its proboscis to identify where the nearest flowers are.
a butterfly can maneuver its proboscis to inject chemicals into other insects.

Explanation:

To determine the main benefit of a butterfly's proboscis, we analyze the passage and each option:

• The passage states that nectar is "not easily accessible" near a flower’s base, and the proboscis is used to "obtain nectar deep inside flowers". This matches the first option.
• The passage does not mention the proboscis being used for communication with other butterflies, so the second option is incorrect.
• The passage does not state that the proboscis is used to identify the nearest flowers, so the third option is incorrect.
• The passage does not mention the proboscis being used to inject chemicals into other insects, so the fourth option is incorrect.

Answer:

A. A butterfly can use its proboscis to extract otherwise hard - to - reach nectar in flowers.