An inference question about why an animal does something tests whether you can connect its behavior to the text’s clues. Start with the conclusion the question points to, then ask how it helps explain the behavior. Put those clues in a few words and predict only what those clues support. Stay within the text, because a reason that sounds possible still needs a link to the facts you’re given.
Hints
- Hint 1
Look at what the biologists conclude in the passage’s last sentence. What role do they give beta-carotene?
- Hint 2
Link the two parts of the last sentence. Why would the effect of beta-carotene matter after the lean dry season?
Step-by-step
From clues to purpose
Step 1Identify what the ending needs
Based on the biologists’ conclusion points us to the scientists’ explanation. What does primarily in order to ask us to supply? It calls for the main purpose of eating the flowers, so let’s work out what benefit the biologists think the lemurs get from them.
- Step 2
Join the clues and predict
What do the flowers give the lemurs, according to the scientists? Beta-carotene is a compound abundant in the flowers, and its level rises in the lemurs’ blood during the flowering weeks. The scientists conclude that it strengthens the lemurs’ immune systems, which are stressed after the lean dry season. We can predict that the flowers supply something that helps their strained immune systems.
- Step 3
Match the supported purpose
The phrase obtain a nutrient describes taking in beta-carotene from the flowers. How does recover from a period of stress fit? It links how the compound helps the immune systems to the stress after the dry season, so this ending gives a purpose supported by the biologists’ conclusion. Choice D.