Question

read the excerpt from the passage.
(4) prairies exist in areas too wet for desert yet too dry to support healthy forests. prairies respond to their environment, which includes soil type, water availability, and natural forces such as grazing and fire. these have resulted in three distinct prairie regions.
what inference can be made about prairies based on this excerpt?
a. the adaptability of prairies is why they are able to survive.
b. humans have negatively altered natural prairie environments.
c. prairies could develop just about anywhere in the world.
d. the three prairie regions share the same characteristics.

Explanation:

• Option A: The excerpt says prairies respond to their environment (soil, water, natural forces) and this led to distinct regions. Responding to the environment implies adaptability for survival.
• Option B: The excerpt mentions natural forces like grazing and fire, not human alteration, so B is incorrect.
• Option C: Prairies exist in specific areas (too wet for desert, too dry for forests), so they can't develop anywhere, C is wrong.
• Option D: The excerpt says "three distinct prairie regions", so they don't share the same characteristics, D is incorrect.

Answer:

A. The adaptability of prairies is why they are able to survive.