SAT English Practice Question

The passage describes two different approaches to studying animal behavior in the wild. In the first approach, scientists observe animals in their natural habitats, such as a forest or a prairie. In the second approach, scientists capture animals and observe them in a laboratory setting. While both approaches have their benefits, the passage suggests that each approach has drawbacks that could affect the accuracy of the findings. For example, scientists who study wild animals in their natural habitats might be less able to control the factors that could affect their observations. In contrast, scientists who study animals in a laboratory setting might be less able to ensure that the animals are behaving normally in an environment that does not reflect their natural habitat. However, there is a benefit to both approaches: Scientists who study animals in their natural habitats can observe their behavior in a more realistic and natural setting, while scientists who study animals in a laboratory setting can observe their behavior in a more controlled environment. Which of the following best describes the main idea of the passage?

1. A.Despite the challenges of studying animals in their natural habitats, it is the best way to ensure accurate and reliable results.
2. B.Observing animals in their natural habitats and in a laboratory setting can provide different perspectives on animal behavior, but each approach has limitations that must be considered.
3. C.Both natural-habitat and laboratory studies are valuable for understanding animal behavior, but the two methods are difficult to combine.
4. D.Although studying animals in their natural habitats has its drawbacks, scientists can control the factors that affect their observations by studying animals in a laboratory setting.