Magpies that actively form friendships with people make this investment (from their point of view) for good reason. Properties suitable for magpies are hard to come by and the competition is fierce. Most magpies will not secure a territory — let alone breed — until they are at least five years old. In fact, only about 14% of adult magpies ever succeed in breeding.

Question

What is the effect of the author describing magpies' relationships with people as an "investment"? (Paragraph 6)

A. It highlights that the relationships are temporary.

B. It suggests that people benefit from the relationships.

C. It suggests that magpies benefit from the relationships.

D. It highlights that the relationships are more difficult to develop over time.

Answer 1

C. It suggests that magpies benefit from the relationships.

By describing the relationships that magpies form with people as an "investment," the author implies that these relationships are beneficial for the magpies, potentially providing them with advantages that support their survival, given their challenges in securing a territory and breeding.