16Hit1600
Information and IdeasEasy–MediumInference from a change in a bird's timing

Information and Ideas practice question

A species of warbler used to arrive at its northern breeding grounds in the third week of May. Over the past forty years its arrival has moved earlier by about twelve days, and over the same period the insects it feeds its chicks have begun hatching earlier too. This suggests that ____

Which choice most logically completes the text?

  1. A. the warbler's earlier arrival tracks the earlier hatching of its chicks' food.Correct
  2. B. the warbler has stopped breeding in the north.
  3. C. the insects now hatch later than the warblers arrive.
  4. D. the warbler's arrival date has not changed.

Answer: A. the warbler's earlier arrival tracks the earlier hatching of its chicks' food.

Both moved earlier over the same period; the arrival tracks the food.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. the warbler has stopped breeding in the north.
The text describes it still arriving at its breeding grounds.
C. the insects now hatch later than the warblers arrive.
The text says the insects hatch earlier, not later.
D. the warbler's arrival date has not changed.
The text says it moved twelve days earlier.

More Information and Ideas questions

Not affiliated with the College Board. SAT is a trademark of the College Board.