Final answer:
The statement given is an example of hyperbole—exaggeration for emphasis or effect—since it dramatically overstates the physical capabilities of a gray whale, which is an aquatic mammal that lives in the ocean.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement "A gray whale performs a pole dance" is an example of a hyperbole, which is an exaggerated statement not meant to be taken literally. This statement exaggerates the actions of a gray whale, a creature known for living in ocean environments and being an aquatic mammal. As gray whales cannot perform pole dances, the sentence aims to create a vivid and possibly humorous image, rather than a factual claim. Hyperboles are often used for emphasis or effect.
When analyzing figurative language, an oxymoron is a phrase that combines contradictory terms; irony implies a difference between appearances and reality, often in a context where the outcome is opposite to what is expected; and a metaphor is a direct comparison between two unlike things. Considering these definitions, the correct option that describes the statement is hyperbole, since it greatly exaggerates the abilities of a gray whale and is not meant to be taken literally.