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 purpose of the passage?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The main purpose of this passage is to inform readers about the role of skin coloration and markings in snakes. It explains how these markings help snakes hide from predators and how they can also indicate venomousness. The passage also provides examples such as the scarlet kingsnake to illustrate how some nonvenomous snakes mimic the appearance of venomous snakes for protection. This informative content aims to educate readers about the survival strategies of snakes, rather than entertain, describe, or persuade them.
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