What do ecologists say about artificial feeding areas? (Passage: Tidal power)
A proposed barrage across an estuary would generate electricity from the tide twice a day, with output predictable decades ahead, unlike wind or solar power. Its backers calculate that it could supply 5 per cent of national demand. Environmental groups object that the barrage would alter silt movement and could reduce the mudflats on which wading birds feed. The developers propose building artificial feeding areas elsewhere, but ecologists warn that there is no record of such replacements matching natural mudflats in supporting bird numbers.
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: B. There is no record of them matching natural mudflats
- Step 1: Read the last sentence. Step 2. Ecologists note a lack of record of success, not a record of failure. Answer: There is no record of them matching natural mudflats. Why not the others: 'Always failed' overstates a lack of evidence; cost and silt are not mentioned.
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