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Difficulty: EasyPrimary Purpose of the Whole Text

The acacia tree (Acacia cornigera) of Central America maintains a remarkable symbiotic relationship with acacia ants (Pseudomyrmex ferruginea). The tree provides the ants with specialized nesting sites inside its hollow thorns, as well as nutrient-rich food sources in the form of nectar secretions and leaflet tips. In exchange, the ants serve as an active defense system for the host plant. They aggressively patrol the tree's branches, attacking herbivorous insects that attempt to feed on the leaves and clearing away competing vines that might shade the acacia from sunlight. This mutual dependency ensures the survival of both species in a highly competitive tropical ecosystem.

Which choice best states the main purpose of the text?

  1. To describe the mutually supportive relationship between the acacia tree and acacia ants.Answer
  2. B
    To argue that all tropical plant species rely on insect symbiosis for their survival.
  3. C
    To explain how the physical structure of acacia thorns directly deters herbivorous pests.
  4. D
    To illustrate how competing vines use acacia ants to gain access to sunlight.

Answer

To describe the mutually supportive relationship between the acacia tree and acacia ants.
The correct option describes the symbiotic relationship in which the acacia tree provides food and shelter while the ants defend the tree. This reflects the text's primary focus on how both species depend on each other for survival.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the main topic of the passage.
The passage discusses the symbiotic relationship between acacia trees and acacia ants.
Understanding the primary subjects is the first step in identifying the overall purpose of the text.
2
Analyze how the author describes the interaction between the tree and the ants.
The tree provides nesting sites and food, while the ants defend the tree from herbivores and vines.
This identifies the mutual benefits that define the relationship described in the passage.
3
Synthesize these elements to determine the primary purpose of the whole text.
The main goal of the passage is to describe this mutually supportive relationship.
The correct choice must capture the scope of the entire passage rather than focusing on a single detail or overgeneralizing.

Key Concept

Primary Purpose of the Whole Text
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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Primary Purpose of the Whole Text

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