Question

the stinky durian fruit
the durian is an asian fruit that is known for its incredible stench. food writer richard sterling describes its odor as \turpentine and onions, garnished with a gym sock.\ in 2012, a group of scientists analyzed an extract taken from thai durians to determine what causes the fruit to smell so bad. the researchers identified fifty different compounds, including some that are found in a variety of other substances and others that had never been identified before. individually, these chemicals have their own characteristic smells, such as onion, garlic, cheese, honey, yeast, metal, rubber, and skunk. no wonder the durian has such a unique, disgusting stink!
what is the main, or central, idea of the passage?
scientists identified some chemicals in durians that had never been found anywhere else.
scientists analyzed a sample taken from thai durians to find out why the fruit has such a powerful odor.
scientists found that a combination of different chemicals is responsible for the durians powerful odor.

Explanation:

The passage first introduces the durian's stench. Then it mentions scientists analyzing an extract. It lists the identified compounds (some new, some known) and their individual smells. The key is that the combination of these different chemicals leads to the durian's powerful odor. The first option only focuses on new chemicals (too narrow). The second option is about the analysis process (not the main idea of what causes the smell). The third option captures the essence that a combination of different chemicals is responsible for the odor.

Answer:

Scientists found that a combination of different chemicals is responsible for the durian's powerful odor.