Question

passage
formerly classified as the ninth planet in the solar system, pluto has recently reclassified as a \dwarf planet.\ in august 2006, the international astronomical union determined that, to achieve full planetary status, an object must meet the following three criteria: it must orbit the sun, be round, and dominate its orbital neighborhood. because pluto orbits other objects as it makes its way around the sun, it does not fit the third criterion, and has been demoted to dwarf planet status.

question
according to the passage, pluto is now classified as a dwarf planet because

• it is too small to orbit the sun in the required amount of time
• it orbits other objects in its vicinity
• its oval shape prevents it from orbiting the sun
• it is too far away from the other planets

Explanation:

The passage states that Pluto was reclassified as a dwarf planet because it does not meet the third criterion for full planetary status (dominating its orbital neighborhood) as it orbits other objects while moving around the Sun. The first option is incorrect as the passage doesn't mention orbital time related to size. The third option is wrong since Pluto is round and does orbit the Sun. The fourth option is incorrect as distance from other planets isn't the reason. The second option matches the passage's explanation.

Answer:

B. It orbits other objects in its vicinity