Question

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Explanation:

Analyze the context around sentence 3

Sentence 3 states: "Existing grass close to the ground supports the first snowfall and, thanks to sublimation, creates the perfect winter habitat for these small burrowing animals."
Sentence 4 states: "They will have a sturdy frozen roof formed over their heads."

Evaluate the transition and support needed

The transition between sentence 3 (mentioning sublimation creating a habitat) and sentence 4 (mentioning a sturdy frozen roof) requires an explanation of how sublimation leads to this frozen roof.

Assess the options

• Option 1: Focuses on turning the space into a cozy home to raise offspring, which does not explain the physical process of sublimation forming a roof.
• Option 2: Focuses on digging tunnels and eating grass, which does not explain the physical process of sublimation forming a roof.
• Option 3: "Snow falls on the ground but then sublimates, or turns into moist water vapor, which rises into the layer of snow directly above and hardens it." This directly explains the physical mechanism of sublimation and how it hardens the snow layer above, perfectly setting up sentence 4 ("They will have a sturdy frozen roof formed over their heads").
• Option 4: Focuses generally on creating a unique space to live undisturbed, which lacks the specific explanation of the physical process of sublimation.

Answer:

• (A) They will turn the space between the snow and the ground into a cozy home where they can raise offspring even during the cold winter months.
• (B) The rodents dig tunnels and make burrows in this habitat where the consumption of grasses will sustain them throughout the winter.
• (C) Snow falls on the ground but then sublimates, or turns into moist water vapor, which rises into the layer of snow directly above and hardens it. (Correct answer)
• (D) The snow will create a unique space just above the ground and make it possible for the rodents to live there undisturbed through the winter months.