Question

(20) some of the most heated arguments against wind farms are related to animal protection and the preservation of the scenic beauty of nature. (21) critics says that, in certain areas, wind farms can destroy bird populations (22) the american wind energy association (awea) maintains that for every one bird death caused by wind towers, there are at least ten thousand bird deaths caused by other factors. (23) however, gail kinsey hill has reported in the oregonian newspaper that these statistics are misleading because they dont account for rare birds. (24) while the impact of wind farms on the overall population of more common birds is minimal, a single death in the golden eagle or certain hawk families could have a far - reaching effect on the populations of those species. (25) for this reason, many have argued that a wind farms acceptance, viability, and worth depends on its location.
(26) one of the most recent locations of choice for wind farm \planting\ is in the ocean. (27) in 2007, the state of delaware debated whether to put a wind farm off its resort coastline or develop a new fossil - fuel power plant. (28) at the time, residents and resort owners worried about the impact a wind farm development would have on tourism. (29) the developers designed the farm so it would be six miles offshore. (30) nevertheless, people were worried that the appearance of the tall towers offshore would make tourists less likely to visit. (31) it turns out that, according to the awea, tourism can sometimes increase with the development of a wind farm. (32) people like to see the majesty of the tall turbines standing proudly in the distance.
(33) according to the u.s. geological survey, energy consumption in the united states is fairly evenly split among transportation (27 percent), industry (38 percent), and residential/commercial (36 percent). (34) if were going to use energy in the current quantities, and if energy is essential to all these element of society, then we should all help support the development of alternatives.
select the correct answer.
which research question most likely contributed to the authors development of the fifth paragraph (sentences 20 - 25)?
a. why do some people dislike wind farms?
b. how many golden eagles have died due to wind farms in the last year?
c. what has gail kinsey hill written about wind farms in the oregonian newspaper, and how have these affected support for these facilities?
d. do wind farms in some locations have a negative effect on bird species?

Explanation:

Sentences 20-25 focus on arguments against wind farms tied to animal (bird) protection, including debates over wind farms' impact on bird populations (common vs. rare species like golden eagles). Option A is too broad (covers more than just bird/animal concerns). Option B is overly specific (only focuses on golden eagle death counts, not the broader population impact debate). Option C centers on one author's specific article, while the paragraph uses that article as part of a larger discussion about wind farms and birds. Option D directly targets the core focus of the paragraph: whether wind farms in some locations harm bird species.

Answer:

D. Do wind farms in some locations have a negative effect on bird species?