Read the passage from "Carrots with Character," which is an informational text about the health benefits of
genetically modified carrots.
The researchers, led by plant geneticist Philipp Simon,
haven't limited themselves to the color orange. They've
selectively bred a rainbow of carrots purple, red,
yellow, even white. Scientists are learning that these
plant pigments perform a range of protective duties in the
human body which is not surprising, says Simon,
since many of the pigments serve to shield plant cells
during photosynthesis.
Red carrots derive their color mainly from lycopene, a
type of carotene believed to guard against heart disease
and some cancers. Yellow carrots accumulate
xanthophylls, pigments similar to beta-carotene that
support good eye health. Purple carrots possess an
entirely different class of pigments-anthocyanins-
Which statement best explains how the author's use of
evidence supports the text's purpose?
The author explains that carrot-breeding has only
been done for the past 50 years.
O The author directly quotes research scientists who
have been studying the carrots.
O The author states that red, yellow, and purple carrots
each provide specific health benefits.
O The author writes that the use of differently colored
carrots in diets dates back over 1,000 years.