Question

In the high mountains where this sheep prefers to make its home it usually ranges near or above timberline. During winter storms it may sometimes be forced down into the shelter of the forests, but as soon as conditions warrant it will go back to its world of barren rocks and snow. Which sentence best paraphrases this information about bighorn sheep?

1) The bighorn sheep prefers to live in the high mountains near or above timberline, but during winter storms, it may seek shelter in the forests.
2) The bighorn sheep prefers to live in the high mountains near or above timberline, and it never goes down into the shelter of the forests during winter storms.
3) The bighorn sheep prefers to live in the high mountains near or above timberline, and it always stays in its world of barren rocks and snow.
4) The bighorn sheep prefers to live in the high mountains near or above timberline, and it only goes down into the shelter of the forests during winter storms.

Answer 1

The most accurate paraphrase for the bighorn sheep's habitat preference is that it primarily lives in high mountains above the timberline but may retreat to forests during winter storms before returning to its preferred habitat.

Step-by-step explanation:

The best paraphrase for the bighorn sheep's habitat preferences, according to the provided text, is option 1: The bighorn sheep prefers to live in the high mountains near or above timberline, but during winter storms, it may seek shelter in the forests. This sentence accurately reflects the sheep's primary habitat in the high mountains and its occasional need to descend into forested areas for protection during inclement weather, while also emphasizing its tendency to return to its preferred environment when possible.

The text underlines a behavioral adaptation to environmental conditions, particularly referencing the sheep's preference for areas near or above the timberline and its temporary habitat shift due to seasonal changes like winter storms. The rephrasing captures the essence of the sheep's habitat usage but doesn't suggest permanency in forested areas, aligning with the original statement's mention of a return to the alpine zones.