City parks in New York have become home to an increasing population of coyotes over the past decade. Unlike their rural counterparts, urban coyotes have learned to navigate traffic, use pedestrian crossings, and forage from garbage. Wildlife biologists note that urban coyotes actually have higher survival rates than rural ones, despite the perceived dangers of city life.
The passage suggests that
some wild animals can successfully adapt their behaviors to urban environments
all wildlife populations are declining in urban areas
rural environments are more dangerous for coyotes than cities
coyotes in cities behave identically to rural coyotes
Correct Answer: A
Choice A is the best answer. Urban coyotes have developed new behaviors and thrive.
- Context clues: They "learned" to navigate traffic and forage from garbage—new behaviors.
- Meaning: Developing new behaviors specific to cities shows adaptation.
- Verify: Higher survival rates than rural coyotes proves successful adaptation.
đź’ˇ Strategy: When animals develop new behaviors in new environments, infer adaptive capability.
Choice B is incorrect because coyote population is increasing in New York parks. Choice C is incorrect because higher urban survival doesn't mean rural is more dangerous—conditions differ. Choice D is incorrect because urban coyotes have "learned" behaviors unlike rural ones.