The Sargasso Sea lies in the North Atlantic Ocean and surrounds the Bermuda Islands. It has an odd elliptical shape. Besides its oval form, the Sargasso has another peculiar trait as well. It is almost entirely covered with thick, free-floating seaweed. Scientists believe the seaweed was brought by high winds from the West Indies, the islands bordering the Caribbean Sea. Christopher Columbus described the seaweed in his journals when he explored the area in 1492.
When Mary read this paragraph about the Sargasso Sea, she thought the word elliptical meant "mysterious."
Was Mary correct about the meaning of elliptical?
• 1. Yes, because the passage mentions that the sea surrounds the Bermuda Islands.
• 2. No, because the passage indicates that the meaning relates to the shape of the sea.
• 3. Yes, because the passage states that the name Sargasso is peculiar, which suggests the sea is mysterious.
4. No, because the passage explains that Columbus explored the area, which suggests the sea cannot be mysterious.