Final answer:
Option 2 correctly paraphrases the excerpt, mentioning the main reasons for dangerous expeditions as seeking wealth and competition, and identifying the start of exploratory voyages in the eleventh century.
Step-by-step explanation:
To accurately paraphrase the excerpt from "Challenging Explorations," we must convey the primary reasons why explorers engaged in dangerous voyages and note the period when such explorations began. Option 2: The main reason for these dangerous expeditions was the search for wealth and competition. Exploratory voyages started in the eleventh century is the correct paraphrase as it succinctly states the motives for these voyages—wealth and competition—and identifies the time frame of the eleventh century when the explorations commenced, which aligns closely with the original text.
European explorations were driven by a variety of factors, such as the desire for gold, the intent to spread the Christian faith (God), and the pursuit of personal or national glory. The collapse of the Mongol Empire's protection of the Silk Road and the need for alternative trade routes also played a significant role in spurring exploration. The Age of Discovery, marked by the expeditions of figures like Christopher Columbus, was defined by nations like Spain and Portugal seeking to expand their global influence and establish new trade connections.