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What is a cay?

1. a small, low island or coral reef

2. One of the principal land masses of the earth

3. An extremely dry area with little water and few plants

4. a round model that lets you see Earth's entire surface

The correct answer is: a small, low island or coral reef

A cay is a small, low island formed from sand, coral, or other materials, typically found in tropical or subtropical regions. These landforms are often situated on the surface of a coral reef and can vary in size and shape. Cays can serve as critical habitats for wildlife and are often found in lagoons or sheltered areas along coastlines. The other options refer to different geographical terms. For instance, the principal land masses refer to continents, which are significantly larger and more substantial than cays. The description of an extremely dry area aligns with desert environments, which are characterized by their lack of water and vegetation, also distinct from the nature of cays. Finally, a round model that lets you see Earth’s entire surface describes a globe, a tool for visualizing Earth’s geography, rather than a specific type of landform like a cay.