Question

read this passage about the mimic octopus. then, select the sentence that best suggests that its survival depends on tricking predators rather than fighting them. when it comes to doing impressions, there are few animals more capable than the mimic octopus. this clever cephalopod can change its texture, shape, and color to imitate at least fifteen other sea creatures. instead of relying on strength or speed to keep safe, it relies on this remarkable ability to get itself out of dangerous situations. for example, in some cases, it frightens away predators by taking on the appearance of a lionfish, imitating the fishs dangerous spines. it can also flatten its body to resemble the toxic finless sole, which predators will not eat. this remarkable ability allows the mimic octopus to live in areas where it would otherwise be unprotected.

Explanation:

To determine the sentence suggesting the mimic octopus survives by tricking predators (not fighting), we analyze each:

• "When it comes to doing impressions...mimic octopus." Introduces its mimicry but not survival method.
• "This clever cephalopod...fifteen other sea creatures." Describes mimicry ability, not survival dependence.
• "Instead of relying on strength or speed to keep safe, it relies on this remarkable ability to get itself out of dangerous situations." Directly states it uses mimicry (tricking) rather than strength/speed (fighting) for survival.
• "For example, in some cases...fish's dangerous spines." Gives an example of mimicry, not the overarching survival method.
• "It can also flatten its body...predators will not eat." Another mimicry example, not the main survival - method statement.
• "This remarkable ability...otherwise be unprotected." Explains the result of the ability, not the survival - method choice.

Answer:

Instead of relying on strength or speed to keep safe, it relies on this remarkable ability to get itself out of dangerous situations.