Question

in the late 1800s, a russian explorer described a breed of mongolian horse previously unknown to science. this breed, known in mongolia as takhi, ceased to exist in the wild by the 1960s. fortunately, by then some captured takhi had been taken to breeding reserves in europe. this action saved the small but hardy breed from becoming extinct. the breed was later reintroduced to mongolia, where now several hundred takhi live on a nature reserve.
how does the final sentence contribute to the paragraph?
1 it shows that the takhi have been restored to their original numbers and strength in the wild.
2 it ends on an optimistic note, while still showing the takhi are few in number.
3 it raises awareness about the need for further scientific study of mongolian horses.

Explanation:

• Option 1: The paragraph doesn't mention original numbers, so we can't say they're restored to original strength. Eliminate 1.
• Option 2: The takhi were saved from extinction and reintroduced, with "several hundred" (few in number) now in a reserve. This is an optimistic outcome (saved from extinction) while noting they are still few. This fits.
• Option 3: The final sentence is about the current status of takhi, not about the need for further study. Eliminate 3.

Answer:

1. It ends on an optimistic note, while still showing the takhi are few in number.