Question

select the best evidence to support the statement that dead trees benefit animals in the forest.
dead trees are vital for the forest and take many different forms.
the trees that fall to the forest floor are important because they help keep the soil moist by soaking up rainwater. one of the most important roles for these fallen trees is serving as a nursery for young seedlings. as the logs lie on the ground, leaves and cones accumulate on top, slowly decomposing, and turning into soil. seeds fall into this fertile soil, growing into young seedlings.
the dead trees that remain standing are called \snags.\ insects feed on these trees, which in turn give the pileated woodpeckers plenty of food to prey on. eventually, the tree will fall and assume a new role as a downed log.
adapted from national park service, \trees and shrubs\

Explanation:

To support the statement that dead trees benefit animals, we need evidence showing how dead trees help animals. The part about "snags" (standing dead trees) says insects feed on them, and then pileated woodpeckers prey on those insects. This directly shows a benefit to animals (insects and woodpeckers) from dead trees. The other parts talk about benefits to the forest/soil/seedlings, not specifically animals. So the relevant evidence is: "The dead trees that remain standing are called 'snags.' Insects feed on these trees, which in turn give the pileated woodpeckers plenty of food to prey on."

Answer:

The dead trees that remain standing are called "snags." Insects feed on these trees, which in turn give the pileated woodpeckers plenty of food to prey on.