Question

read the excerpt from \save the coral reefs.\ a study completed in 2004 found that seventy percent of our coral reefs are already destroyed or currently under threat of destruction. it also concluded that much of the wreckage to reefs has been caused by humans. the resiliency of the reefs is on our side, though. more can be done now to help the coral reefs bounce back—even flourish. what is the meaning of the word
esiliency\ in this context?
options:
the way an ecosystem supports plant and animal life
the manner in which an ecosystem decomposes
the ability of an ecosystem to recover from damage
the capability of one ecosystem to ruin another ecosystem

Explanation:

To determine the meaning of "resiliency" in the context, we analyze the surrounding text. The passage states that much reef destruction is caused by humans, but "the resiliency of the reefs is on our side" and "more can be done now to help the coral reefs bounce back—even flourish." The phrase "bounce back" implies recovery from damage. Let's analyze each option:

• Option 1: "the way an ecosystem supports plant and animal life" describes an ecosystem's role in supporting life, not resiliency. Eliminate.
• Option 2: "the manner in which an ecosystem decomposes" refers to decomposition, not recovery. Eliminate.
• Option 3: "the ability of an ecosystem to recover from damage" matches the context of reefs bouncing back (recovering) from destruction. This fits.
• Option 4: "the capability of one ecosystem to ruin another ecosystem" is about harming other ecosystems, not recovery. Eliminate.

Answer:

the ability of an ecosystem to recover from damage (the third option in the list of choices)