Final answer:
(A) Raven, In the Biblical story of Noah, the first animal released was a raven, but it was the dove that returned with a freshly plucked olive leaf, indicating the end of the flood.
Step-by-step explanation:
The first animal that Noah let out of the Ark according to the Biblical story was a raven. However, the animal that brought back evidence that the flood had receded was a dove. This story can be found in the book of Genesis, specifically chapters 8:6-12.
The dove returned to Noah with a freshly plucked olive leaf, which was a sign that the waters had abated from the earth. This is a significant example of how animals are used in religious texts to symbolize messages and communicate between the human and divine realms.
According to the biblical narrative in Genesis, Noah sent out a raven first from the ark after the flood to assess if the waters had receded. However, the raven did not return, providing no clear indication of dry land. Subsequently, Noah released a dove, which returned without finding a suitable resting place.
After waiting, Noah sent the dove out again, and it returned with an olive leaf, signaling the receding floodwaters. Eventually, when Noah released the dove a third time, it did not return, indicating that the land was now habitable. Therefore, the correct answer is (A) Raven.