Question

which of the following best describes the evidence the author uses to support the claim that fireworks are one of the biggest threats to the plovers on the fourth of july at old orchard beach? a. currently, there are about 87 nesting plover pairs in maine at old orchard beach. b. the holiday fireworks attract thousands of tourists, who take newly hatched chicks from nests to have as pets. c. piping plover nest destruction increases because the fireworks attract people to the town, which leads to an increase in air pollution. d. audubon employees have found plover nests with chicks that died because parents have been scared away by the noise and light of the fireworks.

Explanation:

Option A only gives the number of nesting plover pairs, which has no direct relation to fireworks being a threat. Option B mentions tourists taking chicks as pets due to fireworks - but this is about human action (taking as pets) not the direct impact of fireworks on plovers. Option C mentions nest destruction due to people attracted by fireworks leading to air pollution - air pollution is not the main threat related to fireworks (noise and light are more direct). Option D directly states that plover chicks died because parents were scared away by fireworks' noise and light - showing the direct threat of fireworks to plovers.

Answer:

D. Audubon employees have found plover nests with chicks that died because parents have been scared away by the noise and light of the fireworks.