Final answer:
Tabaqui is referring to a human cub as "he" and making the distinction that the human cub is not an animal. Tabaqui views humans as distinct from animals, suggesting that humans are separate and superior. The significance of this statement in the story is that it highlights the tension and conflict between human and animal characters, emphasizing the divide between them and setting up the central conflict of the narrative.
Step-by-step explanation:
a) Tabaqui is referring to a human cub as "he".
b) Tabaqui is making the distinction that the human cub is not an animal.
c) Tabaqui views humans as distinct from animals, suggesting that humans are separate and superior.
d) The significance of this statement in the story is that it highlights the tension and conflict between human and animal characters, emphasizing the divide between them and setting up the central conflict of the narrative.