In order to really understand the extinction of the dodo, we need to look beyond the humans, to the suite of nonnative species that followed closely behind in their footsteps and set into motion an ecological disaster that resulted in the dodo’s swan song. The ubiquitous ship-rats, the pigs, goats and Rusa deer brought along as food, and the macaques brought along as pets from Southeast Asia; these were the species that, once set loose in the island’s pristine ecosystem, wreaked havoc on its members who had since long lost their defenses against predators. Dodo chicks and eggs were eaten, nests destroyed, and vegetation disturbed. As a flightless, ground-nesting bird, the dodo never stood a chance. Eventually, all that remained was the image of a gluttonous, clumsy bird, destined for extinction.

Question

In order to really understand the extinction of the dodo, we need to look beyond the humans, to the suite of nonnative species that followed closely behind in their footsteps and set into motion an ecological disaster that resulted in the dodo’s swan song. The ubiquitous ship-rats, the pigs, goats and Rusa deer brought along as food, and the macaques brought along as pets from Southeast Asia; these were the species that, once set loose in the island’s pristine ecosystem, wreaked havoc on its members who had since long lost their defenses against predators. Dodo chicks and eggs were eaten, nests destroyed, and vegetation disturbed. As a flightless, ground-nesting bird, the dodo never stood a chance. Eventually, all that remained was the image of a gluttonous, clumsy bird, destined for extinction.

Use the passage to answer the question.

Why does the author most likely arrange the sentences this way?

1. to illustrate the effect of the dodo's extinction

2. on the surrounding environment. to encourage the reader to examine the dodo's extinction in a new light.

3. to stress that humans were definitely not the cause of the dodo's extinction.

4. to illustrate how vulnerable the dodo was to the possibility of extinction.

Answer 1

The author most likely arranges the sentences this way to illustrate how vulnerable the dodo was to the possibility of extinction. By describing the suite of nonnative species that were introduced to the dodo's ecosystem and the havoc they wreaked on the dodo and its environment, the author highlights the dire circumstances that the dodo faced. This arrangement emphasizes the idea that the dodo never stood a chance against these introduced species, ultimately leading to its extinction.

Answer 2

The author most likely arranges the sentences this way to illustrate how vulnerable the dodo was to the possibility of extinction (Option 4). By discussing the suite of nonnative species that wreaked havoc on the dodo and its ecosystem, the author emphasizes the threats and challenges faced by the dodo, ultimately leading to its extinction.

Answer 3

The author most likely arranges the sentences in this way to:

4. illustrate how vulnerable the dodo was to the possibility of extinction.

The passage highlights the various nonnative species that were brought to the Dodo's habitat and wreaked havoc on the ecosystem, leading to the dodo's extinction. By discussing the impacts of ship-rats, pigs, goats, Rusa deer, and macaques on the dodo and its environment, the author emphasizes the vulnerability of the dodo and its inability to withstand these new ecological pressures.