Question

the florida everglades
1 the florida everglades is like no other ecosystem in the world. much of the everglades ecosystem is a shallow, slow - moving river where different kinds of grasses grow in the water. alligators lie on mud banks in the sun, while large birds take shelter on islands of tall trees. because this ecosystem is so special, part of the everglades is now a national park that is protected by the united states government. this means the area cannot easily be built upon or changed in any way. this protects a large part of the everglades, but still allows many people to visit and enjoy the natural beauty of the area.
2 the everglades may look peaceful and quiet, but this ecosystem is always changing. some of these changes are natural because they are caused by weather and other conditions. for example, sometimes during a bad storm, lightning will strike trees or the ground. this can cause a wildfire. many trees and other plants can burn before the fire goes out, and some animals can die or lose their habitat. although a wildfire can cause great change, ecosystems usually do recover.
why does the author include examples of alligators and birds in paragraph 1?
select one:
to suggest that tourists may see these animals when they visit.
to show what happens when ecosystems are protected.
to contrast the different conditions that exist that help animals to live there.
to explain how animals use their habitats.

Explanation:

The first - paragraph describes the unique ecosystem of the Florida Everglades and mentions alligators and birds as examples of the wildlife that inhabit this special ecosystem. It aims to show the different conditions that allow these animals to live there, such as alligators on mud - banks and birds in tree islands.

Answer:

To contrast the different conditions that exist that help animals to live there.