A.I. Explanation:

Option 1: "Under certain conditions, the coyote is helpful to man."

Explanation: The text presents the idea that coyotes can be beneficial to humans when farm animals are protected. It highlights how coyotes help control populations of harmful animals like rabbits and rodents, which supports the main idea that under certain conditions, they are helpful.

Option 2: "Modern ranchers would no sooner shoot coyotes than they would shoot dogs."

Explanation: While the text mentions that ranchers value coyotes and would not shoot them, this statement is too narrow and focuses only on the attitude of ranchers rather than the broader main idea of the coyote's helpfulness under certain conditions.

Option 3: "The coyote usually prefers rabbits and other rodents over sheep and poultry."

Explanation: This option misrepresents the text. The passage states that coyotes hunt small animals, particularly sheep and poultry, but it does not claim that they prefer rabbits over these animals. Therefore, this statement is misleading and does not capture the main idea.

Option 4: "The coyote is feared because of his fondness for small animals."

Explanation: Although the text mentions the coyote's bad reputation due to its hunting of small animals, this option does not reflect the main idea. The passage emphasizes the potential benefits of coyotes, rather than focusing solely on fear, making this option incomplete.