Question 30·Hard·Central Ideas and Details
In a commentary on urban wildlife management, ecologist Lian Chen points out that overly aggressive removal of so-called "invasive" city-dwelling coyotes has sometimes produced the opposite of the intended effect: populations rebound quickly and take up residence in even more densely populated neighborhoods. Chen argues that this outcome occurs because selective removal destabilizes established territories, encouraging surviving coyotes to breed earlier and more frequently. She proposes that educating residents to secure trash and tolerate stable family groups would more effectively minimize conflicts over time.
Which choice best states the main idea of the text?
For main-idea questions, paraphrase the passage in 1–2 sentences, making sure to include the passage’s overall claim and any recommendation or conclusion. Then eliminate choices that are accurate but incomplete (cover only the problem or only the solution) or that subtly shift the author’s recommendation or emphasis. Pick the option that best matches your full paraphrase without adding or changing ideas.
Hints
Locate the problem being discussed
Reread the first two sentences: what unintended result does Chen say can happen when coyotes are aggressively removed?
Identify cause and recommendation
Find (1) the reason Chen gives for the rebound and (2) what she suggests people do instead of relying on selective removal.
Watch for scope shifts and omissions
A strong main-idea choice should include both parts of the passage (the backfiring effect and the proposed alternative). Be cautious of choices that leave out one part or subtly change what Chen recommends (for example, focusing on only trash education or changing removal tactics).
Step-by-step Explanation
Identify what the question is asking
The question asks for the main idea of the text. A main-idea answer should capture the passage’s overall point, not just one detail.
Here, the text contains (1) a problem with a common management approach and (2) a proposed better approach, so the best answer should reflect both.
Summarize the key claim about removal
Chen says overly aggressive/selective removal of city coyotes can have the opposite of the intended effect: populations rebound and may move into denser neighborhoods.
She explains the mechanism: removing some coyotes destabilizes established territories, and surviving coyotes then breed earlier and more frequently.
Summarize the proposed alternative
Chen proposes reducing conflicts by:
- educating residents to secure trash, and
- tolerating stable family groups (stable territories), so conflicts lessen over time.
Choose the option that includes both the problem and the alternative
The correct choice must (1) state that targeted removal can backfire by increasing reproduction and (2) present Chen’s preferred approach: education plus maintaining stable groups/territories to reduce conflicts.
The only option that does both is:
Targeted removal of urban coyotes can backfire by encouraging faster reproduction; therefore fostering stable coyote territories alongside public education may better reduce human–coyote conflicts.