Question

elephant skin
have you ever wondered what causes the wrinkles on an elephants skin?
probably not! however, thanks to new research on the topic, we now have an explanation that could translate into exciting news for some people.
the purpose of an elephants skin folds has long been understood. when temperatures soar, the wrinkles help an elephant to stay cool. unlike humans, an elephant does not have sweat glands. to keep cool, it covers itself with mud.
on page 2, how does the phrase like mud would cling to a heavily grooved sneaker sole contribute to the meaning of the passage?
it helps readers understand the way in which skin folds can help mud stay on elephants.
it helps readers understand that elephants and humans react differently to mud.
it suggests that mud can cause problems for elephants in some situations.
it suggests that shoe soles should use the same pattern as elephants skin.

Explanation:

The simile compares mud - skin adhesion to mud - sole adhesion, helping understand mud staying on elephant skin.

Answer:

It helps readers understand the way in which skin folds can help mud stay on elephants.