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Information and IdeasEasy–MediumFinding supporting a claim about nesting preference

Information and Ideas practice question

An ornithologist claims that the swifts prefer to nest in the church's north tower rather than its south tower.

Which finding, if true, would most directly support the ornithologist's claim?

  1. A. Over ten summers, the north tower held an average of 30 swift nests and the south tower an average of 4, though the towers are the same size and age.Correct
  2. B. Swifts are common in the town.
  3. C. Both towers were built in the 1400s.
  4. D. The church is the tallest building in the town.

Answer: A. Over ten summers, the north tower held an average of 30 swift nests and the south tower an average of 4, though the towers are the same size and age.

Thirty nests against four, in equal towers over ten years, is direct evidence of a preference.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. Swifts are common in the town.
Says nothing about which tower.
C. Both towers were built in the 1400s.
Equal age rules out one explanation but shows no preference.
D. The church is the tallest building in the town.
Height explains why swifts use the church, not which tower.

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