Question

there are laws made to protect the manatee, including marked conservation zones in which boats are required to drive slowly. however, a 2007 university of florida study found that half the boat drivers speed through these zones. 84% of the 236 people in the survey claimed to obey speed limits, but observation showed that only 45% were actually obeying the law. there are also sanctuaries set aside for the manatees, often in the coastal rivers and areas around electric power plants where they live in the winter. entering or disturbing the manatees in these areas is illegal, as is harassing manatees anywhere. violators of these laws face imprisonment or fines.
however, there is hope for these gentle creatures. thanks to the efforts of groups such as save the manatee and others, people are now much more aware of the manatee and its plight. the more that people are educated about manatees, the more likely it is that people will obey the laws that have been put in place to protect them. hopefully these real - life \mermaids\ will be around for many centuries to come.
questions

1. what is the text structure used in paragraph 3?

a. paragraph 3 uses comparison to bring attention to a connection between manatees and elephants.
b. paragraph 3 uses description to illustrate how manatees use their appearance to entertain observers.
c. paragraph 3 uses problem - solution to illustrate how manatees use their tails when sinking.
d. paragraph 3 uses time order to relay the idea that modern - day manatees are essentially evolved mermaids.

1. what heading describes paragraphs 1 - 2?

a. charming manatees
b. global manatees
c. mysterious manatees
d. sacred manatees

1. which inference can be made about the role of myths and legends (paragraph 2) in shaping early human attitudes toward manatees?

a. they encouraged fear and hunting of manatees.
b. they inspired respect and protection of manatees.
c. they led people to confuse manatees with walruses.
d. they sparked interest in studying manatees scientifically.

1. what factor best explains why manatees are restricted to warm waters?

a. their heavy weight requires them to help them float.
b. their herbivorous diet limits their mobility.
c. their lack of blubber makes them prone to cold stress.
d. their tails are not strong enough to swim in cold water.

1. which statement best describes the relationship between humans and manatees throughout history?

a. humans have consistently protected manatees as sacred animals.
b. humans once feared manatees but now use them for food.
c. humans shifted from myth - based views to scientific conservation efforts.
d. humans have always seen manatees as dangerous predators.

1. what does the author suggest is the biggest obstacle to manatee population recovery?

a. the scarcity of vegetation in warm waters
b. slow reproduction combined with human - caused habitat loss
c. the growing number of natural predators in rivers
d. their inability to migrate to new locations

1. how does the author build credibility when discussing current manatee threats?

a. by including firsthand stories from sailors
b. by referencing a university study and giving specific data
c. by comparing manatees to more familiar animals like walruses
d. by describing the emotional appeal of saving manatees

Explanation:

1. Paragraph 3 first presents the problem of boat - drivers speeding in manatee protection zones and then shows how groups are working to educate people, which is a problem - solution structure.
2. Paragraphs 1 - 2 talk about manatees in a way that seems mysterious, like the connection to mermaids, so "Mysterious Manatees" is a fitting title.
3. Myths and legends likely inspired respect and protection as they gave manatees an almost magical status.
4. Their heavy weight requires warm water to help them float.
5. Humans have shifted from myth - based views to scientific conservation efforts as knowledge has grown.
6. Slow reproduction and human - caused habitat loss are major obstacles to manatee population recovery.
7. Referencing a university study and giving specific data (like the percentage of boat drivers speeding) builds credibility.

Answer:

1. C
2. C
3. B
4. A
5. C
6. B
7. B