Question

why do ocelots purr but jaguars roar? researchers hypothesize that this difference between the two feline species may be partly due to a u - shaped bone in their throats called the hyoid. ocelots, which are much smaller than jaguars, have a rigid hyoid that rumbles when the cats larynx vibrates, resulting in a purr. by contrast, jaguars have a somewhat flexible hyoid, and the bone is attached to the skull with a stretchy ligament that ocelots lack. these traits allow jaguars and most other species of big cats to produce powerful roars. the same traits may also prevent most big cats from purring. 8 which choice best states the main idea of the text? a both ocelots and jaguars have u - shaped hyoid bones, but ocelots hyoids are rigid whereas jaguars hyoids are flexible. b researchers are uncertain why relatively small cats, such as ocelots, purr but relatively large cats, such as jaguars, roar. c jaguars and most other species of big cats can roar because they have flexible hyoid bones that are attached by stretchy ligaments to their skulls. d differences related to the hyoid bone in ocelots and jaguars may help explain why one species purrs and the other roars.

Explanation:

The text discusses the difference in vocal - ization (purring and roaring) between ocelots and jaguars, attributing it to the structure of the hyoid bone. Ocelots have a different hyoid structure that allows them to purr, while jaguars' hyoid structure enables roaring.

Answer:

D. Differences related to the hyoid bone in ocelots and jaguars may help explain why one species purrs and the other roars.