Question

Write a short paragraph that explains the central idea of "Iguanas returned to Santiago Island in hopes of improving the ecosystem." Use at least two details from the article to support your response.

a) The central idea of the article is that iguanas are being reintroduced to Santiago Island to restore the island's ecosystem. This is supported by the fact that iguanas were once native to the island and played a crucial role in maintaining the balance of the ecosystem. Additionally, the article mentions that invasive species have caused harm to the ecosystem, and the return of iguanas aims to address this issue.
b) The central idea of the article is that iguanas were brought to Santiago Island, but their presence didn't have a significant impact on the ecosystem. This is supported by the article's discussion of iguanas' limited diet and the challenges of controlling invasive species on the island.
c) The central idea of the article is that iguanas are being removed from Santiago Island to protect the native wildlife. This is supported by the article's focus on the negative consequences of iguana presence, such as their impact on vegetation and competition with native species.
d) The central idea of the article is that iguanas were accidentally introduced to Santiago Island, causing irreversible damage to the ecosystem. This is supported by the article's discussion of the unintended consequences of iguana introduction and the challenges of reversing the damage.

Answer 1

The central idea of the article is the restoration of Santiago Island's ecosystem through the reintroduction of native iguanas, who once played a crucial role there, and to counteract the effects of invasive species.

Step-by-step explanation:

The central idea of the article "Iguanas returned to Santiago Island in hopes of improving the ecosystem" is that reintroducing iguanas to Santiago Island is part of an effort to restore the natural balance of the island's ecosystem. This idea is substantiated by two key details: First, iguanas were historically native to the island and played a significant role in its ecosystem, suggesting their reintroduction could help re-establish the environmental dynamics that existed before human interference. Second, non-native species, such as dogs and cats, have threatened the local wildlife, including marine iguanas, by predation. The reintroduction of native iguanas could help rebalance ecological interactions and mitigate the impacts of these invasive species.