Question

Read this passage, paying close attention the author’s use of a cause and effect organizational pattern.

The famous koalas of Australia live in forests and eat only eucalyptus leaves. But the increased heat and carbon dioxide levels of global warming are changing the leaves. In affected areas, the leaves are actually becoming less nutritious, so koalas will have to search for additional food—and much of their habitat has already been destroyed. Although climate change is not the only threat facing koalas, it is helping to push this fragile species further into decline.

How does the author of this passage use a cause-effect organizational pattern?

to show the relationship between global warming and a smaller koala population

to demonstrate how animals contribute to the problem of global warming

to prove that global warming affects a wide range of land and marine life

to propose a solution to the pervasive problem of global warming worldwide

Answer 1

to show the relationship between global warming and a smaller koala population

The passage links causes (increased heat and CO2 from global warming, habitat destruction) to effects (less nutritious leaves, more searching for food, population decline).