Read the following passage and answer the question below. Every year, millions of birds undertake extraordinary journeys, traveling thousands of kilometers between their breeding and wintering grounds in a behavior known as migration. Species such as the Arctic tern travel from the Arctic to the Antarctic and back again annually, covering distances that can exceed seventy thousand kilometers in a single round trip. Birds rely on a combination of navigational cues, including the position of the sun and stars, the Earth's magnetic field, and even visual landmarks, to find their way across vast distances. Migration is typically triggered by seasonal changes in daylight length and temperature, prompting birds to seek more favorable climates and abundant food sources. However, migratory birds face increasing threats from habitat loss, light pollution in cities, and collisions with buildings and power lines along their routes. Conservationists are working to protect key stopover sites where birds rest and refuel during their long journeys, recognizing that the loss of even a single critical habitat can disrupt an entire migratory route. Question: In the passage, the word 'stopover' most nearly means:
- A. A resting and refueling location during a journey ✓
- B. A type of navigational tool
- C. A predator that threatens birds
- D. A permanent nesting site
Correct answer
A. A resting and refueling location during a journey
Explanation
The passage describes stopover sites as places where birds rest and refuel during long migratory journeys.