Use the paragraph to answer the question.

DDT was a pesticide used to control mosquito populations. Mosquitoes breed in water. Because of its widespread use, DDT washed into waterways and was absorbed by fish and aquatic plants. Bald eagles ate those fish and died in large numbers, becoming endangered. In 1972, DDT was banned from use, and the bald eagle population recovered.

Which of these statements is an inference?
(1 point)
Responses

DDT needs to be banned from use.
DDT needs to be banned from use.
DDT caused bald eagle deaths.
DDT caused bald eagle deaths.
Mosquitoes carry pesticides to breeding sites.
Mosquitoes carry pesticides to breeding sites.
Bald eagles were dying at high rates.

1 answer

The statement that is an inference is:

"DDT caused bald eagle deaths."

This statement suggests a conclusion drawn from the information presented in the paragraph, specifically linking DDT's presence in the environment to the deaths of bald eagles. The other statements either assert a fact or describe a situation rather than inferring a cause-and-effect relationship.