Read the paragraph and choose the statement that is best supported by the information given in it.
“Forest fires become intense because of a decade-long accumulation of debris, and they spread from the tops of young trees to the branches of mature trees. Such fires, which jump from treetop to treetop, can be devastating. In old-growth forests, on the contrary, the shade of the mature trees prevents small trees from sprouting, and the lower branches of the mature trees are too high to catch fire.”
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → Damage caused by forest fires is less in old-growth forests.
A statement is supported by a paragraph when the paragraph says it or leads directly to it. The devastating fires are those that climb from young trees to the branches of mature trees. In old-growth forests there are hardly any young trees (the shade stops them sprouting) and the lower branches are too high to catch fire, so fires there do less damage.
Why the other options are incorrect
Option (1) Damage due to forest fires is more in old-growth forests. — Incorrect. This is the opposite of what the paragraph explains.
Option (2) Small trees should not be grown to prevent forest fires. — Incorrect. The paragraph explains how fires spread; it gives no advice about planting or not planting trees.
Option (3) Mature trees should be cut down to prevent forest fires. — Incorrect. The paragraph shows that mature trees help limit the fire, so cutting them would not follow.