Question 1

Describe how a starfish conquers its prey

The passage primarily focuses on the method by which a starfish captures its prey, detailing the unique hydraulic mechanisms it employs to pry open shells and consume its victims. This description illustrates the starfish's predatory behavior, emphasizing its effectiveness as a hunter in the sea.

A) describe the physical characteristics of starfish

This option is incorrect because the passage does not focus on the physical traits of starfish. Instead, it highlights their predatory behavior and methods of capturing prey, rather than their anatomical features.

B) suggest that the starfish is the most fearsome predator in the sea

While the passage does indicate that starfish are fearsome predators, it does not specifically argue that they are the most fearsome. The primary focus is on the mechanism of predation rather than making comparative claims about their predatory status.

C) specify a weakness in the defenses of the starfish

This option is incorrect as the passage does not discuss any weaknesses of the starfish. Instead, it showcases the starfish's strength and efficiency in capturing prey, with no mention of vulnerabilities.

D) describe how a starfish conquers its prey

This option is correct as the passage explicitly details the process by which a starfish captures and consumes its prey, including the hydraulic method it uses to open shells and the subsequent swallowing of its victim.

E) discuss a stage in the life of the starfish

This option is incorrect because the passage does not address any developmental stages or life cycles of the starfish. It solely concentrates on the predation technique of starfish.

Conclusion

The correct answer, D, is definitive as it encapsulates the main focus of the passage regarding the predatory behavior of starfish. All other options fail to capture this central theme, either misrepresenting the content or shifting the focus away from the starfish's method of capturing prey.