Information and IdeasMediumInferring from physical evidence
Information and Ideas practice question
Although the fossil was found in rock that formed on an ancient seafloor, the animal's limbs end in toes rather than fins, and its ribs are sturdy enough to have supported its body weight out of the water.
Which conclusion is best supported by the text?
- A. The animal probably spent at least part of its life on land.Correct
- B. The animal lived its entire life in the sea.
- C. The animal had no ribs.
- D. The fossil was discovered on dry land far from any coast.
Answer: A. The animal probably spent at least part of its life on land.
Toes instead of fins and ribs strong enough to bear weight out of water are features for moving on land. 'Although' signals that these features are surprising given where the fossil was found, which is exactly why they support a partly terrestrial life.
Why the other answers are wrong
- B. The animal lived its entire life in the sea.
- The 'although' marks the seafloor location as being in tension with the animal's body. Toes and weight-bearing ribs argue against a purely marine life.
- C. The animal had no ribs.
- The text describes the ribs and their strength; the animal clearly had them.
- D. The fossil was discovered on dry land far from any coast.
- The text says where the ROCK formed (a seafloor), not where the fossil was dug up today.
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