(1) Sauropods, known today as the largest dinosaurs, were long-necked giants.(2) Their fossils have baffled scientists for decades.(3) These animals were so large that scientists did not know how they were able to support their own weight—unless they lived entirely in the water.(4) Scientists also argued that these overgrown creatures were not well suited for survival and likely became extinct after only a few generations.(5 ) However, the fossil evidence suggested that sauropods had existed, on land, for quite a long time.(6) More recent discoveries of sauropod fossils in locations around the world have confirmed that these resilient animals did indeed walk the Earth for millions of years.(7) As a result, scientists have had to rethink many of their previous assumptions about these creatures.(8) By studying these fossils, they are starting to gain a better understanding of how sauropods lived and adapted to the changing environment around them.(9) One area of particular interest involves the growth rates of the creatures.( 10) Because sauropods are reptiles, most early dinosaur researchers estimated sauropod growth rates based on the growth rates of modern reptiles.(11)By those calculations, it would have taken sauropods a century to reach their full size.(12)A different perspective developed when scientists began to more closely examine various features of sauropod bones.(13)It was determined that the animals' growth rates would actually have been faster than those of modern reptiles and closer to those of large-bodied mammals.
In context, which of the following sentences would be best to insert between sentences 11 and 12 (reproduced below)? By those calculations, it would have taken sauropods a century to reach their full size. A different perspective developed when scientists began to more closely examine various features of sauropod bones.
- A. Like all dinosaurs, sauropods hatched from eggs.
- B. This rather implausible conclusion nonetheless persisted for years.
- C. For decades, sauropods were considered emblematic of the phenomenon of extinction.
- D. Sauropod fossils continue to be discovered in regions spread across the globe.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B
Option B effectively bridges the gap between the two sentences by highlighting the skepticism surrounding the lengthy growth period of sauropods. It acknowledges the implausibility of the previous conclusion, setting the stage for the subsequent discussion about new scientific insights into sauropod bones. Option A is irrelevant, as it provides basic information about sauropod reproduction that does not relate to their growth or the scientific debate at hand. Option C introduces a different topic—extinction—diverting focus from the growth discussion. Option D, while factual, does not connect to the analysis of growth rates and their implications, making it less suitable for the context.
Option B effectively bridges the gap between the two sentences by highlighting the skepticism surrounding the lengthy growth period of sauropods. It acknowledges the implausibility of the previous conclusion, setting the stage for the subsequent discussion about new scientific insights into sauropod bones. Option A is irrelevant, as it provides basic information about sauropod reproduction that does not relate to their growth or the scientific debate at hand. Option C introduces a different topic—extinction—diverting focus from the growth discussion. Option D, while factual, does not connect to the analysis of growth rates and their implications, making it less suitable for the context.
Other Related Questions
Which is the best version of the underlined portion of sentence 5 (reproduced below)? However, the fossil evidence suggested that sauropods will have existed, on land, for quite a long time.
- A. (as it is now)
- B. exist,
- C. existed,
- D. will exist.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C
The choice "existed" accurately reflects the past tense required by the context, indicating that the fossil evidence pertains to a time when sauropods were already present on Earth. Option A, retaining the original phrasing, incorrectly uses "will have existed," which suggests a future perfect tense that does not align with the historical nature of fossil evidence. Option B, "exist," shifts to present tense, failing to convey the past timeframe relevant to the fossils. Option D, "will exist," also implies a future occurrence, which is inconsistent with the established fact that sauropods are known to have lived in the past.
The choice "existed" accurately reflects the past tense required by the context, indicating that the fossil evidence pertains to a time when sauropods were already present on Earth. Option A, retaining the original phrasing, incorrectly uses "will have existed," which suggests a future perfect tense that does not align with the historical nature of fossil evidence. Option B, "exist," shifts to present tense, failing to convey the past timeframe relevant to the fossils. Option D, "will exist," also implies a future occurrence, which is inconsistent with the established fact that sauropods are known to have lived in the past.
In context, 'Telemundo' and 'Ms. magazine' serve as examples of media that:
- A. Devised similar marketing techniques
- B. Were created by the same media visionary
- C. Underwent profound changes as a result of Johnson's work
- D. Were designed to appeal to particular groups of consumers
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D
Telemundo and Ms. magazine both target specific audiences, making option D the most accurate choice. Telemundo caters primarily to Spanish-speaking viewers, while Ms. magazine focuses on feminist issues and women’s rights, appealing to a distinct demographic. Option A is incorrect as there is no indication that both used similar marketing techniques. Option B is misleading; the two were not created by the same visionary, as they emerged from different cultural and social contexts. Option C is also inaccurate; while Johnson's work may have influenced media, it did not specifically lead to profound changes in either outlet.
Telemundo and Ms. magazine both target specific audiences, making option D the most accurate choice. Telemundo caters primarily to Spanish-speaking viewers, while Ms. magazine focuses on feminist issues and women’s rights, appealing to a distinct demographic. Option A is incorrect as there is no indication that both used similar marketing techniques. Option B is misleading; the two were not created by the same visionary, as they emerged from different cultural and social contexts. Option C is also inaccurate; while Johnson's work may have influenced media, it did not specifically lead to profound changes in either outlet.
In context, which word or phrase is best to insert at the beginning of sentence 11? Sentence 11: He spent most of his time writing poems in Spanish instead of studying English.
- A. In addition.
- B. For example.
- C. However.
- D. Indeed.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C
The choice of "However" effectively contrasts the subject's choice to write poems in Spanish with the expectation that he should be studying English. This juxtaposition highlights a shift in focus, emphasizing the divergence from expected behavior. Option A, "In addition," suggests continuity rather than contrast, which does not align with the sentence's intent. Option B, "For example," implies that the sentence will provide an instance, which is not the case here. Option D, "Indeed," reinforces a statement rather than introducing a contrasting idea, making it unsuitable for the context.
The choice of "However" effectively contrasts the subject's choice to write poems in Spanish with the expectation that he should be studying English. This juxtaposition highlights a shift in focus, emphasizing the divergence from expected behavior. Option A, "In addition," suggests continuity rather than contrast, which does not align with the sentence's intent. Option B, "For example," implies that the sentence will provide an instance, which is not the case here. Option D, "Indeed," reinforces a statement rather than introducing a contrasting idea, making it unsuitable for the context.
In context, which is the best version of the underlined portion of sentence 5 (reproduced below)? In 1928 he published the most famous of all his poems. Gypsy Ballads which used the rhythms of the traditional Spanish ballad to describe the Gypsies of southern Spain.
- A. poems. Gypsy Ballads; which used
- B. poems, Gypsy Ballads, which used
- C. poems: Gypsy Ballads, which used
- D. [as it is now]
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B
Option B is the best choice because it correctly uses a comma to separate the main clause from the appositive "Gypsy Ballads," clarifying that it is the title of the poem being referenced. This punctuation enhances readability and maintains the flow of the sentence. Option A incorrectly uses a semicolon, which suggests a stronger separation than necessary and disrupts the connection between the two clauses. Option C employs a colon, which implies that what follows is a list or explanation, but here it is simply a title, making it inappropriate. Option D retains the original punctuation, which lacks clarity and does not effectively separate the title from the main clause.
Option B is the best choice because it correctly uses a comma to separate the main clause from the appositive "Gypsy Ballads," clarifying that it is the title of the poem being referenced. This punctuation enhances readability and maintains the flow of the sentence. Option A incorrectly uses a semicolon, which suggests a stronger separation than necessary and disrupts the connection between the two clauses. Option C employs a colon, which implies that what follows is a list or explanation, but here it is simply a title, making it inappropriate. Option D retains the original punctuation, which lacks clarity and does not effectively separate the title from the main clause.