Question 91

The Amazon Basin is more than one-fifth the size of all the other rainforests in the world combined.

The Amazon Basin stretches over 2.3 million square miles, which is indeed more than double the length of all the other remaining rainforests in the world combined, making statement B true.

A) It is not much larger than all the other rainforests in the world combined.

This statement is incorrect as the Amazon Basin is significantly larger than all other rainforests combined. The extract states that the Amazon is double the length of all other remaining rainforests, clearly indicating its vast size.

B) It is more than one-fifth the size of all the other rainforests in the world combined.

This statement is true. The extract confirms that the Amazon Basin covers 2.3 million square miles, which exceeds one-fifth of the area of all other rainforests combined, validating this option as correct.

C) The tree leaves there have a specific shape to allow raindrops to fall off easily.

While the extract mentions that tree leaves in the Amazon are pointed and narrow to facilitate raindrop drainage, this statement does not directly address the size of the Amazon Basin. Therefore, it is irrelevant to the question and not the correct answer.

D) It is a habitat for many mammals and birds.

Although this statement is true—since the extract details that the Amazon is home to 2,000 birds and mammals—it does not address the size of the Amazon Basin in comparison to other rainforests. Thus, while accurate, it does not answer the question posed.

Conclusion

The statement that the Amazon Basin is more than one-fifth the size of all the other rainforests combined is definitively correct because it aligns with the extract's clear depiction of the Amazon's vast size. In contrast, Options A, C, and D, while containing elements of truth, do not directly answer the question regarding the size comparison, making them incorrect in this context.