Consider the following paragraph from an essay about Mayan architecture:
[1] The ancient Mayan pyramid El Castillo at Chichen Itza is celebrated not only for its imposing structure but also for its sophisticated acoustic design. [2] When visitors clap their hands at the base of the pyramid's staircase, the steps bounce the sound waves back as an echo. [3] This echo closely mimics the distinctive, high-pitched chirp of the resplendent quetzal, a sacred bird in Mayan mythology. [4] Researchers believe that Mayan architects intentionally engineered the staircase's dimensions—specifically the height and depth of each step—to produce this precise auditory illusion.
The writer wants to add a sentence after Sentence 3 that provides the most specific, concrete visual detail supporting the claim that the quetzal was highly revered in Mayan society. Which of the following sentences best accomplishes this goal?
- Priests and royalty wore the bird's long, iridescent green tail feathers in towering ceremonial headdresses to display their connection to the gods.Answer
- BThe quetzal, which lived in the cloud forests, was a beautiful bird that had many colorful features and was very important to the Maya.
- CThe bird's feathers were used in many religious ceremonies; because the animal was considered sacred.
- DThe resplendent quetzal is a species native to the high-altitude cloud forests of Central America that feeds primarily on wild fruits.