Question

5 some building owners think of birds as pests. pigeon droppings, for example, are an unattractive, unhealthy problem. but these owners may not be aware that most birds dying nightly are not city dwellers. they include dozens of species of songbirds that are just passing through.
6 finally, turning off lights does not just benefit birds. it reduces energy costs for building owners. and energy conservation benefits the environment. in indianapolis, the leader of a group of building owners doubted the programs usefulness. but after lights out was tried, he saw results. \it has turned out to be a win - win proposition, \ he said.
7 lights out is a win - win proposition. lights out benefits birds. it benefits the environment. it benefits all of us. i hope you will support it.
question: what is the central problem described in the article?
○ a. cities are becoming too brightly lit for humans to sleep well.
○ b. artificial city lights cause migrating birds to become disoriented and die.
○ c. people are wasting money by keeping lights on at night.
○ d. the audubon society is losing support for its programs.

Explanation:

The article discusses the issue of artificial city lights. It mentions that many birds (including migrating songbirds) are affected. The Lights Out program is introduced, which benefits birds (as artificial lights can disorient them, likely leading to death as they are passing through cities at night), building owners (reduces energy costs), and the environment. Option A about humans' sleep is not the central problem. Option C about wasting money is a side - benefit (energy cost reduction) but not the main problem. Option D about the Audubon Society losing support is not mentioned. The main problem is related to birds and artificial city lights.

Answer:

B. Artificial city lights cause migrating birds to become disoriented and die.