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THE Farallon Island, or devils Teeth, as they are referred to by sailors, area group of small islands with rocky, barren terrain and treacherous, 48 km (30 miles) off the coast of San Francisco, California although the islands are small, with a combined total land area of 0.41km squared (0.16 square miles), they are positioned in a major ocean current, which enables them to house dense populations of birds, rodents seals, and other water mammals.
The abundance of wildlife first attracted Russian and American fur traders in the early 1800s, who then nearly eliminated the seal population in the area. The islands then became an agricultural resource for San Francisco during the gold rush era when egg companies began harvesting bird eggs on the islands. In 1863, violence between viral egg companies erupted on the islands (known as the Egg War") which inadvertently attracted national attention and provoked lawmakers to pass legislation to protect and rehabilitate the island's natural ecosystem.
In 1881, an executive order was passed that decreed egging illegal on the Farallon's. This ended private enterprises on the islands was reinforced in 1909 when President Theodore Roosevelt created the Farallon Reservation to restore human access and preserve that northern island, and over time many of the island original inhabitants have returned.
The Farallon's are now home to the world's largest population of western gull. Seals have returned, as well as otters and sea lions, which in turn attracts great white sharks. The combination of sharks, underwater currents, and jagged coastline are probably what earned the Farallon's their nickname "Devil's Teeth," though it hasn't stopped a few adventurous people from swimming. Four people have completed the 30-mile swim from the islands to San Francisco; the fastest person completed the journey in 14 hours.

Which of the following is a credible source that the author might have consulted to help write the article?

  • A. An 1890 cartographer's notes on efforts to map Northern California's coastline
  • B. A nutritionist's scholarly journal article on gold rush miner diets
  • C. A copy of a story published by the Fish and Wildlife Service, originally written by a former refuge manager
  • D. A copy of a story published by the Fish and Wildlife Service, originally written by a former refuge manager
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Choice D is the correct answer as it suggests consulting a story published by the Fish and Wildlife Service, originally written by a former refuge manager. This source would provide reliable information on the Farallon Islands' natural ecosystem, wildlife conservation efforts, and historical context. The Fish and Wildlife Service is a reputable organization known for its expertise in wildlife management and conservation, making their publications a credible source for an article on the Farallon Islands. Options A and B are less relevant to the topic and would not offer in-depth insights into the specific subject matter discussed in the article.