KAKASHKA-9

The population of elephant seals, reduced by hunting to perhaps a few dozen animals early in this century,has soared under federal protection during the last few decades. owever,because the species repopulated itself through extensive inbreeding, it now exhibits a genetic uniformity that is almost unparalleled in other species of mammals, and thus it is in far greater danger of becoming extinct than are most other species.

Given the information in the passage above, which of the following is most likely the reason that other species of mammals are less likely that elephant seals to become extint?

(A)Other species of mammals have large populations,so the loss of a few members of the species is not significant.
(B)Other species of mammals have increased their knowledge of dangers through the experience of generation after generation of animals.
(C)In other species of mammals,hunters can readily distinguish between males of between young animals and adults.
(D)In other species of mammals,some members of the species are genetically better equipped to withstand a disease or event that destroys other members of the species.
(E)Other species of mammals have retained habits of caution and alertness because they have not been protected as elephant species.