Nokea
Skin coloration and markings have an important role to play in the world of snakes. Those intricate diamonds, stripes, and swirls help the animals hide from predators, but perhaps most importantly (for us humans, anyway), the markings can also indicate whether the snake is venomous. While it might seem counterintuitive for a venomous snake to stand out in bright red or blue, that fancy costume tells any nearby predator that approaching him would be a bad idea.
If you see a flashy-looking snake in the woods, though, those markings don't necessarily mean it's venomous: some snakes have found a way to ward off predators without the actual venom. The scarlet kingsnake, for example, has very similar markings to the venomous coral snake with whom it frequently shares a habitat. However, the kingsnake is actually nonvenomous; it's merely pretending to be dangerous to eat. A predatory hawk or eagle, usually hunting from high in the sky, can't tell the difference between the two species, and so the kingsnake gets passed over and lives another day.
What is the author's primary purpose in writing this essay?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. The author's primary purpose in writing this essay is to teach readers the difference between coral snakes and kingsnakes. The essay discusses how skin coloration and markings help snakes hide from predators and indicate whether a snake is venomous. By comparing the physical characteristics and behaviors of coral snakes and kingsnakes, the author helps readers understand how to distinguish between the two species to avoid potential dangers. Choice A is incorrect because the essay focuses more on distinguishing between snake species rather than solely on the relationship between markings and venom. Choice C is incorrect as the essay does not aim to illustrate why snakes are dangerous but rather to educate about the differences between specific snake types. Choice D is incorrect as the essay does not discuss how animals survive in difficult environments, but instead focuses on snake markings and behaviors.