Question

passage 3: the dumbo octopus
photo credit: svetlana ryabunova, https://www.istockphoto.com/it/dumbooctopus/369139772
1 when you imagine the ocean floor, perhaps your mind swimswith huge, mysterious creatures full of sharp teethand scaly skin. exotic animals like the giant spider crab,fangtooth fish, and giant tube worm make their homes atthe bottom of earth’s oceans. however, at even deeperdepths, between 9,800 and 13,000 feet (3,000–4,000meters), there lives a creature so small, round, andadorable that scientists, upon spotting the elusive beast, arelikely to say nothing more than “aww!” (paragraph 1)
which central idea does this paragraph support?
○ the dumbo octopus has similar features to giant tube worms.
○ the dumbo octopus is unlike other creatures living in the deep sea.
○ the dumbo octopus is more common than other forms of sea life.
○ the dumbo octopus has adapted to harsh conditions on the ocean floor.

Explanation:

To determine the central idea, analyze each option:

• First option: The paragraph contrasts the Dumbo octopus with other deep - sea creatures, not showing similarity to giant tube worms. Eliminate.
• Second option: The paragraph describes other deep - sea creatures as huge, mysterious, with sharp teeth and scaly skin, while the Dumbo octopus is small, round, and adorable. This shows it is unlike other deep - sea creatures.
• Third option: The passage does not discuss the commonness of the Dumbo octopus compared to other sea life. Eliminate.
• Fourth option: The paragraph focuses on the appearance difference, not adaptation to harsh conditions. Eliminate.

Answer:

B. The Dumbo octopus is unlike other creatures living in the deep sea.