Question 9

Support the claim that species depend on each other for survival

The author discusses ant-following birds to illustrate the interdependence of species within the ecosystem. The example demonstrates how the survival of one species, the ant-following birds, is directly linked to the presence of army ants, thus supporting the claim that species rely on one another for their survival.

A) Suggest that most species can survive only on tracts that are larger than 10 hectares

This option is incorrect because the passage does not assert that all species require larger tracts for survival. Instead, it emphasizes the interdependence of species within the ecosystem rather than the size of the tracts alone.

B) Suggest that most animal species can readily adapt to environmental change

This option is incorrect as the passage does not address the adaptability of animal species to environmental changes. Instead, it focuses on specific dependencies between species, particularly in relation to the survival of ant-following birds and army ants.

C) Refute some findings in earlier studies about the sizes of tract necessary for bird species' survival

This option is incorrect because the passage does not aim to refute earlier studies. Rather, it provides evidence supporting the interconnectedness of species and the need for appropriate habitat size without directly contradicting previous findings.

D) Support the claim that species depend on each other for survival

This option is correct as it captures the essence of the example provided in the passage. The relationship between ant-following birds and army ants exemplifies how one species' survival is contingent upon the presence of another, reinforcing the idea of ecological interdependence.

E) Explain why army ants cannot survive on small tracts of land

This option is incorrect because the passage does not focus on the survival needs of army ants but rather on how their presence affects the survival of ant-following birds. The emphasis is on the dependencies and relationships among species rather than on the ants themselves.

Conclusion

The correct answer, D, effectively highlights the interconnectedness of species, illustrating that the survival of ant-following birds is reliant on the presence of army ants. All other options either misinterpret the passage's focus or divert attention from the core theme of species interdependence, thereby failing to address the author's intent.