Question

read this claim from an argumentative essay about zoos.
zoos must improve conditions so that they can meet the health and safety needs of the animals.
which piece of evidence, if true, would best support this claim?

• exposure to different animals can help to educate the public.
• funding sources for zoos can be limited, so they often rely on donations from the public.
• many animals die prematurely in zoos because they are exposed to infectious diseases.
• animals can be bred at zoos to increase their population.

Explanation:

To support the claim that zoos must improve conditions for animals' health and safety, we need evidence showing current conditions are inadequate. The option "Many animals die prematurely in zoos because they are exposed to infectious diseases" directly shows a health/safety issue (infectious diseases causing premature death) that improved conditions could address. Other options focus on education, funding, or breeding (not health/safety needs).

Answer:

C. Many animals die prematurely in zoos because they are exposed to infectious diseases.