3Fish, clams, sponges, sharks, and sea turtles are only a few of the thousands of creatures that call coral reefs their home. Many of the plants and fish that live in coral reefs depend on one another to live and grow. People also depend on coral reefs. The reefs contain many plants and animals used in medicines, chemicals, or other products we need to lead healthy lives.

5You might think coral reefs are very strong. They’re actually quite delicate. They can be harmed in many different ways. One way is when careless boaters drive in shallow waters. Many divers hurt reefs by touching them. Hotel building near the reefs is also very harmful. So is the waste that some people dump into the ocean.

6It’s very important for people to protect coral reefs. The reefs we have today started to grow thousands of years ago. It would take a long time for them to grow back if they were destroyed. Scientists who study the reefs try to learn more and more about how they work. The information they learn will help us keep the reefs safe for years to come.

What sort of evidence does Zachary Felton use to support his thesis that it is important to protect and care for coral reefs?

A) Felton does not provide any concrete evidence to support his argument for protecting coral reefs.

B) Felton uses logical reasoning for evidence for why coral reefs are endangered and need to be protected.

C) Felton uses a variety of anecdotal stories from his personal experience with coral reefs to support his argument.

D) Felton presents empirical evidence (statistics and numbers) to warn readers about the impending damage to coral reefs.