Question

select the best evidence to support the statement that the fda ban on small turtles was intended to protect small children.
turtles and other reptiles often carry a germ called salmonella, but appear perfectly healthy and clean. people think salmonella infections are caused only by contaminated food, but these germs can also be caught by touching animals, including reptiles or amphibians, such as frogs....
since 1975, it has been illegal in the united states to sell or distribute small turtles with shells that measure less than 4 inches in length. this size was chosen because young children are more likely to treat smaller turtles as toys and put them in their mouths. this ban, enforced by the u.s. food and drug administration, likely remains the most effective public health action to prevent salmonella infections associated with turtles.
from centers for disease control and prevention, \turtles and other reptiles are risky pets.\

Explanation:

To support the statement that the FDA ban on small turtles was to protect small children, we analyze the evidence. The relevant part is "Since 1975... put them in their mouths." This explains the ban's size choice (shell <4 inches) is because young children treat small turtles as toys and mouth them, linking the ban to child protection from Salmonella via turtle contact. Other info (general Salmonella from reptiles, CDC source) doesn't directly connect the ban's intent to child protection as this part does.

Answer:

Since 1975, it has been illegal in the United States to sell or distribute small turtles with shells that measure less than 4 inches in length. This size was chosen because young children are more likely to treat smaller turtles as toys and put them in their mouths.