Use the paragraph below to answer the question.


Beavers are an unlikely ally in the fight against wildfires. While beavers are most commonly known for their industrious dam building, they are also surprisingly beneficial to fire prevention. Beavers are able to create their own wetlands and slow the flow of water by damming streams, which in turn reduces the risk of wildfire. By slowing the flow of water, beavers create a buffer zone between the forest and the water source, reducing the risk of the fire spreading. The wetlands created by beavers also act as a firebreak, preventing the fire from spreading further into the forest. Additionally, the moist environment created by beavers helps create a fire-resistant habitat, making it less likely for a fire to take hold in the first place.



In 3-4 sentences, identify and explain an inference you made about beavers based on the passage. Support your answer with text evidence from the passage.

(4 points)

Based on the passage, an inference that can be made about beavers is that they play a significant role in reducing the risk of wildfires. The text states that beavers create wetlands and slow the flow of water, which creates a buffer zone and firebreak between the forest and water source. This suggests that beavers actively contribute to fire prevention efforts. Additionally, the passage mentions that the moist environment created by beavers helps create a fire-resistant habitat, implying that beavers have adapted to their environment in a way that makes it less likely for fires to start or spread.

Based on the passage, it can be inferred that beavers are beneficial for fire prevention due to their ability to create wetlands and slow the flow of water. This inference is supported by the text, which states that by damming streams, beavers create a buffer zone between the forest and the water source, reducing the risk of fire spreading. The wetlands created by beavers also act as a firebreak, preventing the fire from spreading further into the forest. Additionally, the moist environment created by beavers helps create a fire-resistant habitat, making it less likely for a fire to take hold in the first place.

Based on the passage, an inference that can be made about beavers is that their dam building abilities contribute to fire prevention. The passage states that beavers slow the flow of water by damming streams, which reduces the risk of wildfires. By creating wetlands and a buffer zone between the forest and the water source, beavers prevent the fire from spreading. The moist environment created by beavers also helps create a fire-resistant habitat, further enhancing their role in fire prevention.