Free Practice Question
RC · Reading Comprehension
sub-505
Short Passage - Science
Reading Passage
Characterized as half zebra and half horse, the quagga sounds like a mythical creature, but at one time, it was a very real animal. Only 150 years ago, a great number of quaggas were found in South Africa. Unlike the common zebra, which has black and white stripes that cover its entire body, the quagga has yellow-brown stripes only on its head, neck, and forebody, which gave it its half-horse facade. Its unique appearance caused early explorers to think the quagga was a separate species from the common zebra when it was discovered around 1760, but DNA analysis later revealed that the animal is a subspecies of the zebra. In the 100 years following its discovery, the quagga population diminished. It was frequently hunted for its meat and hide, and settlers who considered the animal a competitor for the grazing of their livestock also callously killed the quagga in great numbers. By 1870, the quagga was no longer found in the wild. The last captive quagga died in 1880 in an Amsterdam zoo. Today, the quagga is categorized as an extinct animal, but researchers in Africa hope to resurrect the native subspecies through genetic modification and selective breeding.
What does the author designate as the primary reason for the quagga going extinct?
Answer Choices
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DNA analysis revealed that the quagga was susceptible to diseases brought by domesticated animals.
B
The quagga did not have enough grazing land.
C
The quagga was unable to survive in captivity.
D
Settlers eliminated the species through hunting and extermination.
E
The quagga did not breed as successfully as the common zebra.
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Difficulty
sub-505
Type
RC
Category