Read the passage(s) below and answer the question on the basis of what is stated or implied in the passage(s) and in any introductory material that may be provided.
Passage
A turning leaf stays green at first, then reveals splotches of yellow and red as chlorophyll gradually breaks down. Dark green seems to stay longest in the veins, outlining and defining them. During the summer, chlorophyll breaks down in the heat and light, but it is also being steadily replaced. In the fall, on the other hand, no new pigment is produced, and so we notice the other colors that were always there, although chlorophyll's shocking green hid them from view. With their camouflage gone, we see these colors for the first time all year, and marvel, but they were always there, hidden like a vivid secret beneath the hot glowing greens of summer.
Adapted from Diane Ackerman, A Natural History of the Senses ©1990 Diane Ackerman.
According to the passage, which of the following most directly causes leaves to change their color in the fall?
- A. Chlorophyll in the leaves beginning to break down then
- B. Heat and light causing new pigments to be produced
- C. Existing pigments becoming more uniform
- D. New chlorophyll no longer being produced
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D
Leaves change color in the fall primarily due to the cessation of chlorophyll production. As chlorophyll breaks down and is not replaced, other pigments, such as carotenoids and anthocyanins, become more visible, leading to the vibrant autumn colors. Option A is misleading; while chlorophyll does break down, the key factor is that new chlorophyll is not produced. Option B incorrectly suggests that heat and light create new pigments, which is not the primary cause of color change. Option C is incorrect as it implies existing pigments become uniform rather than highlighting their visibility due to the lack of chlorophyll.
Leaves change color in the fall primarily due to the cessation of chlorophyll production. As chlorophyll breaks down and is not replaced, other pigments, such as carotenoids and anthocyanins, become more visible, leading to the vibrant autumn colors. Option A is misleading; while chlorophyll does break down, the key factor is that new chlorophyll is not produced. Option B incorrectly suggests that heat and light create new pigments, which is not the primary cause of color change. Option C is incorrect as it implies existing pigments become uniform rather than highlighting their visibility due to the lack of chlorophyll.
Other Related Questions
The ancient Greek writer Herodotus was inordinately as historical facts. blithely accepting wildly improbable legends
- A. imperious
- B. prolific
- C. credulous
- D. derisive
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C
Herodotus displayed a tendency to accept stories without skepticism, indicating a belief in their truthfulness, which aligns with the meaning of "credulous." Option A, "imperious," suggests an overbearing attitude, which does not fit his acceptance of legends. Option B, "prolific," refers to someone who produces a lot of work and does not pertain to his approach to historical facts. Option D, "derisive," implies mockery or disdain, contrasting with his acceptance of various narratives. Thus, "credulous" accurately captures Herodotus's inclination to accept improbable legends as historical truth.
Herodotus displayed a tendency to accept stories without skepticism, indicating a belief in their truthfulness, which aligns with the meaning of "credulous." Option A, "imperious," suggests an overbearing attitude, which does not fit his acceptance of legends. Option B, "prolific," refers to someone who produces a lot of work and does not pertain to his approach to historical facts. Option D, "derisive," implies mockery or disdain, contrasting with his acceptance of various narratives. Thus, "credulous" accurately captures Herodotus's inclination to accept improbable legends as historical truth.
The English monarch Elizabeth I may have wanted the miniature portraits of herself and her disgraced mother kept secret, since they were her ring.
- A. concealed within
- B. carved upon
- C. displayed beside
- D. different from
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A
The term "concealed within" accurately reflects the desire to keep the portraits secret, suggesting they were hidden or kept away from public view. This aligns with Elizabeth I's intent to protect her image and her mother's reputation. Option B, "carved upon," implies a physical alteration or decoration, which does not convey secrecy. Option C, "displayed beside," suggests visibility and openness, contradicting the idea of keeping the portraits secret. Option D, "different from," does not relate to the concept of secrecy and fails to address the context of the portraits' significance.
The term "concealed within" accurately reflects the desire to keep the portraits secret, suggesting they were hidden or kept away from public view. This aligns with Elizabeth I's intent to protect her image and her mother's reputation. Option B, "carved upon," implies a physical alteration or decoration, which does not convey secrecy. Option C, "displayed beside," suggests visibility and openness, contradicting the idea of keeping the portraits secret. Option D, "different from," does not relate to the concept of secrecy and fails to address the context of the portraits' significance.
In the context of Passage 2, the quotation by the expert primarily serves to
- A. analyze a hypothesis
- B. account for a phenomenon
- C. advocate an action
- D. qualify a claim
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B
The quotation by the expert primarily serves to account for a phenomenon by providing insight into the underlying reasons or mechanisms behind it. This explanation helps clarify why the observed event occurs, enhancing the reader's understanding. Option A, analyzing a hypothesis, suggests a focus on evaluating an idea rather than explaining an occurrence. Option C, advocating an action, implies a call to action that is not present in the quotation. Option D, qualifying a claim, would indicate that the expert is limiting or adjusting a statement, which does not align with the purpose of the quotation in context.
The quotation by the expert primarily serves to account for a phenomenon by providing insight into the underlying reasons or mechanisms behind it. This explanation helps clarify why the observed event occurs, enhancing the reader's understanding. Option A, analyzing a hypothesis, suggests a focus on evaluating an idea rather than explaining an occurrence. Option C, advocating an action, implies a call to action that is not present in the quotation. Option D, qualifying a claim, would indicate that the expert is limiting or adjusting a statement, which does not align with the purpose of the quotation in context.
In the first two sentences ('During'... 'alley'), scientists are presented as all of the following EXCEPT
- A. predisposed
- B. determined
- C. inherently logical
- D. overly zealous
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C
The passage describes scientists as predisposed, determined, and overly zealous, highlighting their passion and commitment to their work. Option A suggests an inclination towards inquiry, while B emphasizes their resolve in seeking answers. D portrays them as excessively enthusiastic, which aligns with the tone of the text. In contrast, option C, "inherently logical," implies a strict adherence to rationality without acknowledging the emotional and passionate aspects of scientific pursuit. This distinction makes C the only option that does not accurately reflect the portrayal of scientists in the sentences.
The passage describes scientists as predisposed, determined, and overly zealous, highlighting their passion and commitment to their work. Option A suggests an inclination towards inquiry, while B emphasizes their resolve in seeking answers. D portrays them as excessively enthusiastic, which aligns with the tone of the text. In contrast, option C, "inherently logical," implies a strict adherence to rationality without acknowledging the emotional and passionate aspects of scientific pursuit. This distinction makes C the only option that does not accurately reflect the portrayal of scientists in the sentences.