Question

others, members of the weasel family, are charismatic semi - aquatic mammals known for their playful behaviors and ____. these creatures, found in both freshwater and marine environments, possess dense, water - repellent fur which aids in insulation. often seen floating on their backs, they skillfully use tools, like rocks, to crack open shellfish. their social nature and endearing antics, such as holding hands while floating, have made them beloved animals worldwide. which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase? a sleek, streamlined bodies b glossy, gleaming bodies c graceful, modernized bodies d rough, dull bodies

Explanation:

The text describes semi - aquatic mammals (likely otters) found in freshwater and marine environments. We need to choose a phrase that logically describes their bodies.

• Option A: "sleek, streamlined bodies" is appropriate for semi - aquatic animals as a sleek and streamlined body helps in moving through water efficiently.
• Option B: "glossy, gleaming bodies" focuses more on the appearance of the fur's sheen rather than the body's shape which is more relevant for an aquatic - adapted animal.
• Option C: "graceful, modernized bodies" - "modernized" is an odd term to describe an animal's body, and "graceful" is too general compared to the more specific adaptation - related description in A.
• Option D: "rough, dull bodies" is incorrect as it goes against the typical characteristics of semi - aquatic mammals which have adaptations for water (like sleek bodies and water - repellent fur), and "rough, dull" does not fit.

Answer:

A. sleek, streamlined bodies