California Condor Recovery
The California condor came perilously close to extinction in the 1980s, when only 22 birds remained in the wild. Conservationists made the controversial decision to capture all remaining wild condors for a captive breeding program. Today, there are over 500 condors, with more than half living in the wild. While the population remains fragile and dependent on ongoing conservation efforts, the program is considered one of the most successful wildlife recoveries in history.
Which choice best states the main idea of the text?
Detailed Explanation
Choice B is correct. The text describes the recovery from 22 birds to over 500 but notes ongoing challenges ("remains fragile").
Key Evidence:
• Growth from 22 to 500+ birds
• "one of the most successful wildlife recoveries"
• "remains fragile" = ongoing challenges
Why others are wrong: A (overgeneralizes—only one program), C (too optimistic—still "fragile"), D (misreads—1980s was near-extinction, not discovery).
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