Question

"Part A: Which statement identifies the central idea of the text?

A. It is safer to avoid all contact with animals than to risk contracting a virus.
B. Animals help the humans they come into contact with build an immunity to diseases.
C. Diseases that seriously harm animals have little to no effect on humans.
D. Humans can contract dangerous diseases after coming into contact with infected animals.

Part B: Which quote from the text best supports the answer to Part A?

A. ""Some sources were birds, bats, and other types of wildlife. Livestock and pet animals have spread many other diseases."" (Paragraph 1)
B. ""In zoonotic diseases, animals serve as a pathogen’s host. Over time, some longterm hosts no longer become sickened."" (Paragraph 3)
C. ""Some pigs died. Tragically, farm workers also started getting sick. In severe cases, people entered a coma and died."" (Paragraph 7)
D. ""It is important not to blame wildlife for diseases, says Kristine Smith, a wildlife veterinarian who works for EcoHealth Alliance."" (Paragraph 11)"

Answer 1

The text's central idea is that humans can contract dangerous diseases from animals, best supported by an instance of farm workers falling ill and some cases resulting in coma and death. Option c is correct.

Step-by-step explanation:

The central idea of the text is that humans can contract dangerous diseases after coming into contact with infected animals. This is supported by the statement which indicates that diseases can cross species barriers, potentially resulting in serious health issues for humans, as seen with diseases like avian influenza and SARS.

Part B: The quote from the text that best supports this central idea is: "Some pigs died. Tragically, farm workers also started getting sick. In severe cases, people entered a coma and died." This quote illustrates a direct instance where humans contracted a disease from animals, which had grave consequences for the affected individuals.