Question

which statistic, if true, would most strongly support the argument in the text? choose 1 answer: a national study finds that 25% of bridges built for hikers are occasionally used by wild animals. a survey shows that 70% of local residents believe wildlife bridges increase tourism in their communities. a long - term study found that wildlife bridges reduced collisions between animals and vehicles by 85%. data reveal that only 15% of small rodent species cross on bridges planted with trees and shrubs.

Explanation:

The text is about the benefits of wildlife bridges, mainly reducing dangerous interactions between vehicles and wildlife. Option C directly supports this by showing a significant reduction in animal - vehicle collisions. Option A is about bridges for hikers, not wildlife bridges. Option B is about local residents' beliefs regarding tourism, not the effectiveness of wildlife bridges in reducing animal - vehicle conflicts. Option D only gives data on small rodent species crossing on certain bridges, which is less relevant to the overall effectiveness of wildlife bridges in reducing animal - vehicle collisions.

Answer:

C. A long - term study found that wildlife bridges reduced collisions between animals and vehicles by 85%.