In order to really understand the extinction of the dodo, we need to look beyond the humans, to the suite of nonnative species that followed closely behind in their footsteps and set into motion an ecological disaster that resulted in the dodo’s swan song. The ubiquitous ship-rats, the pigs, goats and Rusa deer brought along as food, and the macaques brought along as pets from Southeast Asia; these were the species that, once set loose in the island’s pristine ecosystem, wreaked havoc on its members who had since long lost their defenses against predators. Dodo chicks and eggs were eaten, nests destroyed, and vegetation disturbed. As a flightless, ground-nesting bird, the dodo never stood a chance. Eventually, all that remained was the image of a gluttonous, clumsy bird, destined for extinction.

Question

In order to really understand the extinction of the dodo, we need to look beyond the humans, to the suite of nonnative species that followed closely behind in their footsteps and set into motion an ecological disaster that resulted in the dodo’s swan song. The ubiquitous ship-rats, the pigs, goats and Rusa deer brought along as food, and the macaques brought along as pets from Southeast Asia; these were the species that, once set loose in the island’s pristine ecosystem, wreaked havoc on its members who had since long lost their defenses against predators. Dodo chicks and eggs were eaten, nests destroyed, and vegetation disturbed. As a flightless, ground-nesting bird, the dodo never stood a chance. Eventually, all that remained was the image of a gluttonous, clumsy bird, destined for extinction.
Use the passage to answer the question.

Why does the author most likely arrange the sentences this way? Choose one correct answer below.

1. to illustrate the effect of the dodo's extinction

2. on the surrounding environment. to encourage the reader to examine the dodo's extinction in a new light.

3. to stress that humans were definitely not the cause of the dodo's extinction.

4. to illustrate how vulnerable the dodo was to the possibility of extinction.

Accepted Answer

Answer: to encourage the reader to examine the dodo's extinction in a new light.

GPT 3.5 · Answer

The author most likely arranges the sentences this way to illustrate how vulnerable the dodo was to the possibility of extinction. The passage describes how the introduction of nonnative species led to the destruction of the dodo's habitat and food sources, ultimately leading to its extinction.

Answer

the answer is not correct

GPT 3.5 · Answer

Apologies for the incorrect answer. Upon reconsideration, I would say that the author most likely arranges the sentences this way to stress the effect of the dodo's extinction on the surrounding environment. The passage highlights the introduction of nonnative species and their destructive impact on the island's ecosystem, leading to the dodo's demise. This arrangement of sentences emphasizes the ecological disaster caused by the nonnative species and how it ultimately resulted in the extinction of the dodo.

GPT 3.5 · Answer

Thank you for providing the correct answer. The author indeed arranges the sentences to encourage the reader to examine the dodo's extinction in a new light. By focusing on the nonnative species that followed in the footsteps of humans and caused an ecological disaster, the author aims to shift the perception of humans as the sole cause of the dodo's extinction. This arrangement of sentences prompts the reader to consider the broader factors contributing to the loss of the dodo and to reevaluate their understanding of this extinct species.