Question

read the passage.
southern sea otters live in the ocean off the central coast of california. unlike other cold - water mammals, they dont have layers of fatty blubber to keep them warm. instead, the otters rely on their incredibly dense fur, which consists of over a million hairs per square inch. in addition to thick fur, the otters have some clever tricks that they use to survive in their environment. for example, sea otters have been observed using rocks to crack open the shells of clams and mussels, which they then eat. sadly, southern sea otters were once hunted almost to extinction. but thanks to conservation efforts, the population has started to rebound, making it more likely that these unique creatures will be swimming the seas for generations to come.
based on clues in the passage, what is the most likely reason why humans hunted sea otters?
fishermen wanted to stop the otters from eating all the best fish.
the otters speed and agility made them attractive to sporthunters.
the otters thick fur was perfect for making warm winter coats.
chefs prized the otters fatty meat as an ingredient in hearty stews.

Explanation:

The passage mentions that sea otters have incredibly dense fur. Historically, animals with thick fur were often hunted for their pelts to make warm clothing. There is no mention in the passage about the otters eating the best fish, being attractive to sporthunters due to speed/agility, or having fatty meat prized by chefs.

Answer:

The otters' thick fur was perfect for making warm winter coats.