Difficulty: Easy

Average Score: 100%

A Day with Humpbacks

I sit on the headlands of Neah Bay, Washington, and watch a mother humpback and her calf slip through the icy Pacific waters. I recognize this whale by her distinctive tail pattern, as unique to this humpback as my fingerprints are to me. Once, heavy hunting using harpoons extirpated the species from the region, and only a ban on whaling allowed populations of humpbacks to recover.

As this gray female rises to the surface, she exhales, sending up a spout nearly 20 feet high. She rolls on her side and lifts her scalloped-edge flipper in salute, then slaps it on the water. I adjust my lens and take my shot. This is the only type of whale hunting I find acceptable-hunting with a camera.

What is the main idea conveyed in the passage?

Rationale

Humpback whale populations have rebounded after nearly being eradicated.

The passage highlights the recovery of humpback whale populations in Neah Bay, Washington, after being heavily hunted to near extinction. The author emphasizes the significance of the ban on whaling that enabled this species to thrive again, making it the main idea of the text.

A (Humpback whales are commonly found in the waters near Washington.) YOUR ANSWER

While the passage mentions the presence of humpback whales in the waters of Neah Bay, it does not focus on their commonality or frequency in this area. Instead, the central theme revolves around their recovery from past hunting practices, rather than their current abundance.

B (Humpback whale populations have rebounded after nearly being eradicated.) CORRECT

This choice accurately reflects the main idea of the passage. The author notes the historical context of heavy hunting that led to the near disappearance of humpback whales in the region and credits the ban on whaling for their population recovery, making it the focal point of the narrative.

C (The author has never encountered this specific humpback whale before.) YOUR ANSWER

Although the author recognizes the specific humpback by her unique tail pattern, the passage does not suggest that this is the first encounter. Instead, it highlights the author's appreciation for the whale and her calf, indicating a familiarity rather than a lack of prior encounters.

D (Both cameras and harpoons are utilized for hunting humpback whales.) YOUR ANSWER

This statement is misleading; the passage contrasts the use of harpoons for hunting with the author's preference for "hunting" with a camera. It underscores the shift away from traditional hunting methods to a more conservation-minded approach, rather than suggesting both methods are currently used.

Conclusion

The passage effectively communicates the resurgence of humpback whale populations thanks to conservation efforts following years of hunting. The main idea focuses on this recovery, highlighting the positive impact of protective measures against whaling. Other options either misinterpret or stray from this central theme, reinforcing the importance of understanding the context of wildlife conservation.

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