The echidna, sometimes called the spiny anteater, is an animal with a great way to defend itself. Its body is covered with fur and quills. Quills are long, hollow spines that look like big needles. An echidna has short, powerful legs that help it dig holes quickly. When threatened, it digs a hole and then curls up. Those quills make it look like a pincushion. Animals that want to eat it will go away.

Question

What additional details could the writer add to support the main idea of this passage?

A.Echidnas are found in Australia and New Zealand.
B.Echidnas can dig about as fast as a person can shovel.
C.Echidnas have long noses and have a great sense of smell.

Answer 1

All three options provide additional details about echidnas, but they support the main idea in different ways:

A. "Echidnas are found in Australia and New Zealand." - This detail provides geographical context about where echidnas are located, which could help readers understand their habitat and the environment in which they have developed their defensive adaptations. However, it does not directly enhance the explanation of their defense mechanism.

B. "Echidnas can dig about as fast as a person can shovel." - This detail would directly support the main idea by emphasizing the speed and efficiency of an echidna's digging ability, which reinforces how effectively it can protect itself when threatened. It highlights their adaptation that aids in defense, making this a strong supporting detail.

C. "Echidnas have long noses and have a great sense of smell." - While this detail about their sense of smell adds to the understanding of echidnas, it doesn't directly support the main idea of their defense mechanism. It could be relevant in the context of their behavior and feeding, but does not enhance the focus on their defensive strategies.

In summary, option B would be the most effective addition to support the main idea of the passage, as it directly relates to their defensive behavior and ability to escape threats.