Form, Structure, and Sense
Passage:
Entomologists Yash Sondhi and Samuel Fabian have tried to explain why moths fly erratically around light sources at night. Knowing that flying insects keep their backs pointed toward sunlight during the day, ______
Options:
A) the researchers theorize that moths, mistaking nighttime lights for the Sun, continually try to reorient their bodies while flying near such lights.
B) the researchers’ theory is that moths mistake nighttime lights for the Sun, continually trying to reorient their bodies while flying near such lights.
C) moths mistake nighttime lights for the Sun and continually try to reorient their bodies while flying near such lights, the researchers theorize.
D) moths continually try to reorient their bodies while flying near nighttime lights, the researchers theorize, mistaking such lights for the Sun.
Correct answer: A
Passage:
Marine biologists studying coral reefs have documented the bleaching events associated with rising sea temperatures. Because corals expel the algae that live within their tissues under heat stress, ______
Options:
A) the scientists conclude that repeated exposure to high temperatures reduces coral growth and resilience over time.
B) repeated exposure to high temperatures reduces coral growth and resilience over time, the scientists conclude.
C) it is concluded by the scientists that repeated exposure to high temperatures reduces coral growth and resilience over time.
D) coral growth and resilience are reduced by repeated exposure to high temperatures, the scientists conclude.
Correct answer: D
Passage:
Archaeologists uncovered pottery fragments from multiple layers of sediment in an ancient settlement. Since the fragments varied significantly in style and decoration, ______
Options:
A) they infer that the settlement was inhabited over several centuries, with successive generations introducing new artistic techniques.
B) the settlement was inhabited over several centuries, with successive generations introducing new artistic techniques, they infer.
C) successive generations introduced new artistic techniques, they infer that the settlement was inhabited over several centuries.
D) they infer that successive generations introduced new artistic techniques over several centuries of habitation in the settlement.
Correct answer: B
Passage:
Ecologists studying migratory bird populations have observed changes in timing and routes over the past two decades. Noting that shifts correspond with climate variations, ______
Options:
A) they suggest that migratory patterns are influenced by temperature and precipitation changes, which may affect reproductive success.
B) migratory patterns are influenced by temperature and precipitation changes, which may affect reproductive success, they suggest.
C) the researchers suggest that temperature and precipitation changes influence migratory patterns and may affect reproductive success.
D) they suggest that reproductive success is affected by changes in temperature and precipitation, influencing migratory patterns.
Correct answer: C
Passage:
Paleontologists analyzing fossilized footprints of early humans have attempted to determine group behavior. Because the prints vary in size and direction, _____
Options:
A) they conclude that early humans moved in small, flexible groups rather than in rigid, linear formations.
B) early humans moved in small, flexible groups rather than in rigid, linear formations, they conclude.
C) it is concluded that early humans moved in small, flexible groups rather than in rigid, linear formations.
D) small, flexible groups of early humans moved rather than rigid, linear formations, the paleontologists conclude.
Correct answer: D
Passage:
Geneticists studying disease resistance in plants have identified certain alleles associated with improved survival. Because these alleles appear more frequently in populations exposed to pathogens, ______
Options:
A) they infer that natural selection favors individuals carrying these beneficial alleles.
B) natural selection favors individuals carrying these beneficial alleles, they infer.
C) it is inferred that natural selection favors individuals carrying these beneficial alleles.
D) individuals carrying beneficial alleles are favored by natural selection, they infer.
Correct answer: C
Passage:
Astronomers examining light curves from distant stars have detected periodic dimming patterns. Recognizing that such patterns indicate planetary transits, ______
Options:
A) they conclude that the stars host orbiting exoplanets that periodically block starlight.
B) stars host orbiting exoplanets that periodically block starlight, they conclude.
C) it is concluded that stars host orbiting exoplanets that periodically block starlight.
D) orbiting exoplanets periodically block starlight, the astronomers conclude, explaining the dimming patterns.
Correct answer: B
Passage:
Linguists analyzing speech recordings from multiple dialect regions have noted variations in pronunciation and grammar. Given that these differences correspond to geographic distribution, ______
Options:
A) they infer that language evolution is influenced by spatial separation and social interaction among communities.
B) language evolution is influenced by spatial separation and social interaction among communities, they infer.
C) it is inferred that language evolution is influenced by spatial separation and social interaction among communities.
D) language evolution is influenced by social interaction and spatial separation, they infer.
Correct answer: A
Passage:
Marine biologists tracking dolphin pods observed coordinated hunting behavior near the coast. Since the dolphins’ movements were highly synchronized, ______
Options:
A) they propose that cooperative strategies increase foraging efficiency and success in prey capture.
B) cooperative strategies increase foraging efficiency and success in prey capture, they propose.
C) it is proposed that cooperative strategies increase foraging efficiency and success in prey capture.
D) dolphins use cooperative strategies that increase foraging efficiency and success, they propose.
Correct answer: C
Passage:
Geologists examining sediment layers in a canyon identified repeated deposits of volcanic ash. Because these layers are consistent across multiple sites, ______
Options:
A) they conclude that the region experienced several widespread volcanic eruptions in prehistoric times.
B) several widespread volcanic eruptions in prehistoric times occurred in the region, they conclude.
C) it is concluded that the region experienced several widespread volcanic eruptions in prehistoric times.
D) the region experienced several widespread volcanic eruptions in prehistoric times, they conclude.
Correct answer: D
Passage:
Botanists studying desert plants have observed that many species have deep root systems and small leaves. Because these features help conserve water, ______
Options:
A) they conclude that morphological adaptations are critical for survival in arid environments.
B) morphological adaptations are critical for survival in arid environments, they conclude.
C) it is concluded that morphological adaptations are critical for survival in arid environments.
D) survival in arid environments relies on morphological adaptations, they conclude.
Correct answer: B
Passage:
Historians analyzing medieval manuscripts have noted variations in script and illustration styles across regions. Since these differences correspond to different scriptoriums, ______
Options:
A) they infer that regional schools influenced artistic and textual practices.
B) regional schools influenced artistic and textual practices, they infer.
C) it is inferred that regional schools influenced artistic and textual practices.
D) artistic and textual practices were influenced by regional schools, they infer.
Correct answer: D
Passage:
Neuroscientists have found that sleep deprivation impairs cognitive performance, including attention and memory. Given that participants with restricted sleep performed poorly on standardized tests, ______
Options:
A) they suggest that adequate sleep is necessary for optimal brain function.
B) adequate sleep is necessary for optimal brain function, they suggest.
C) it is suggested that adequate sleep is necessary for optimal brain function.
D) optimal brain function requires adequate sleep, they suggest.
Correct answer: B
Passage:
Climatologists have observed that coastal cities experience higher temperatures than nearby inland areas. Because urban heat islands result from infrastructure and human activity, ______
Options:
A) they conclude that urban planning can mitigate local temperature increases.
B) urban planning can mitigate local temperature increases, they conclude.
C) it is concluded that urban planning can mitigate local temperature increases.
D) mitigation of temperature increases requires urban planning, they conclude.
Correct answer: C
Passage:
Ornithologists studying migratory birds have recorded shifts in arrival times at breeding grounds. Recognizing that earlier springs are correlated with these shifts, ______
Options:
A) they infer that climate change influences migration timing.
B) climate change influences migration timing, they infer.
C) it is inferred that climate change influences migration timing.
D) migration timing is influenced by climate change, they infer.
Correct answer: D
Passage:
Geographers have analyzed river delta formations to understand sediment deposition patterns. Since deposition varies with flow rate and sediment load, ______
Options:
A) they conclude that hydrological dynamics shape delta morphology.
B) delta morphology is shaped by hydrological dynamics, they conclude.
C) it is concluded that hydrological dynamics shape delta morphology.
D) hydrological dynamics shape delta morphology, they conclude.
Correct answer: B
Passage:
Anthropologists studying tribal societies have documented variations in kinship terminology and social norms. Given that these variations correspond with environmental and economic conditions, ______
Options:
A) they suggest that culture adapts to local ecological and social contexts.
B) culture adapts to local ecological and social contexts, they suggest.
C) it is suggested that culture adapts to local ecological and social contexts.
D) adaptation to local ecological and social contexts shapes culture, they suggest.
Correct answer: C
Passage:
Marine ecologists tracking kelp forest ecosystems have observed fluctuations in sea urchin populations. Because these fluctuations affect kelp density, ______
Options:
A) they conclude that herbivore populations significantly influence habitat structure.
B) habitat structure is significantly influenced by herbivore populations, they conclude.
C) it is concluded that herbivore populations significantly influence habitat structure.
D) herbivore populations significantly influence habitat structure, they conclude.
Correct answer: A
Passage:
Psychologists investigating memory recall have found that participants remember items better when tested immediately after learning. Recognizing that delay reduces recall accuracy, ______
Options:
A) they suggest that timing of review sessions affects learning outcomes.
B) timing of review sessions affects learning outcomes, they suggest.
C) it is suggested that timing of review sessions affects learning outcomes.
D) review session timing influences learning outcomes, they suggest.
Correct answer: D
Passage:
Archaeologists studying ancient burial sites have noted the presence of ritual objects alongside human remains. Because these objects vary in form and material, ______
Options:
A) they infer that burial practices reflect social hierarchy and cultural beliefs.
B) burial practices reflect social hierarchy and cultural beliefs, they infer.
C) it is inferred that burial practices reflect social hierarchy and cultural beliefs.
D) social hierarchy and cultural beliefs are reflected in burial practices, they infer.
Correct answer: B
Passage:
Ecologists observing forest regeneration after wildfires have documented species succession patterns. Given that early colonizers differ from later dominant species, ______
Options:
A) they suggest that disturbance events shape community composition over time.
B) disturbance events shape community composition over time, they suggest.
C) it is suggested that disturbance events shape community composition over time.
D) community composition over time is shaped by disturbance events, they suggest.
Correct answer: C
Passage:
Linguists analyzing vowel shifts in English dialects have recorded consistent patterns of pronunciation change. Since these shifts occur over generations, ______
Options:
A) they conclude that language evolves gradually through intergenerational transmission.
B) language evolves gradually through intergenerational transmission, they conclude.
C) it is concluded that language evolves gradually through intergenerational transmission.
D) intergenerational transmission causes gradual language evolution, they conclude.
Correct answer: D
Passage:
Sociologists studying workplace behavior have observed differences in productivity linked to team structure. Recognizing that collaborative teams often outperform isolated workers, ______
Options:
A) they suggest that organizational design affects employee output.
B) organizational design affects employee output, they suggest.
C) it is suggested that organizational design affects employee output.
D) employee output is affected by organizational design, they suggest.
Correct answer: B
Passage:
Botanists investigating pollination networks have observed that certain plant species attract a wide variety of pollinators. Because pollinator diversity affects reproductive success, ______
Options:
A) they infer that ecological interactions influence plant fitness and community dynamics.
B) ecological interactions influence plant fitness and community dynamics, they infer.
C) it is inferred that ecological interactions influence plant fitness and community dynamics.
D) plant fitness and community dynamics are influenced by ecological interactions, they infer.
Correct answer: C
Passage:
Marine scientists studying plankton blooms have recorded rapid increases in population density following nutrient influx. Since blooms affect the entire food web, ______
Options:
A) they conclude that plankton dynamics have cascading ecological consequences.
B) plankton dynamics have cascading ecological consequences, they conclude.
C) it is concluded that plankton dynamics have cascading ecological consequences.
D) cascading ecological consequences result from plankton dynamics, they conclude.
Correct answer: B
Passage:
Anthropologists examining cave paintings have noted depictions of animals, hunting scenes, and symbolic markings. Given that the paintings vary across regions, ______
Options:
A) they suggest that local environmental and cultural factors influenced artistic expression.
B) local environmental and cultural factors influenced artistic expression, they suggest.
C) it is suggested that local environmental and cultural factors influenced artistic expression.
D) artistic expression was influenced by local environmental and cultural factors, they suggest.
Correct answer: D
Passage:
Ecologists studying river systems have found that sediment deposition rates vary with flow velocity and seasonal rainfall. Because these factors affect delta formation, ______
Options:
A) they conclude that hydrological processes determine the morphology of river deltas.
B) hydrological processes determine the morphology of river deltas, they conclude.
C) it is concluded that hydrological processes determine the morphology of river deltas.
D) river delta morphology is determined by hydrological processes, they conclude.
Correct answer: A
Passage:
Geologists examining mountain formations have noted that folding and faulting patterns reveal past tectonic activity. Since the orientation of rock layers corresponds to stress direction, ______
Options:
A) they infer that geological structures record the history of crustal deformation.
B) geological structures record the history of crustal deformation, they infer.
C) it is inferred that geological structures record the history of crustal deformation.
D) crustal deformation history is recorded in geological structures, they infer.
Correct answer: B
Passage:
Biologists studying predator-prey interactions have observed that prey behavior changes in response to predator presence. Because altered behavior affects survival and reproduction, ______
Options:
A) they conclude that ecological pressures shape adaptive strategies.
B) ecological pressures shape adaptive strategies, they conclude.
C) it is concluded that ecological pressures shape adaptive strategies.
D) adaptive strategies are shaped by ecological pressures, they conclude.
Correct answer: D
Passage:
Paleoclimatologists analyzing ice cores have recorded fluctuations in greenhouse gas concentrations over millennia. Since these fluctuations correlate with temperature changes, ______
Options:
A) they infer that past climate shifts were influenced by atmospheric composition.
B) past climate shifts were influenced by atmospheric composition, they infer.
C) it is inferred that past climate shifts were influenced by atmospheric composition.
D) atmospheric composition influenced past climate shifts, they infer.
Correct answer: A
Passage:
Physicists studying particle collisions at high energies have observed unexpected scattering patterns. Because these patterns suggest interactions beyond standard models, ______
Options:
A) they propose that new fundamental forces may be influencing particle behavior.
B) new fundamental forces may be influencing particle behavior, they propose.
C) it is proposed that new fundamental forces may be influencing particle behavior.
D) particle behavior is influenced by new fundamental forces, they propose.
Correct answer: A
Passage:
Ecologists monitoring wetland ecosystems have noted changes in amphibian populations following prolonged drought. Since population shifts affect predator-prey dynamics, ______
Options:
A) they conclude that environmental stressors can alter ecosystem balance.
B) environmental stressors can alter ecosystem balance, they conclude.
C) it is concluded that environmental stressors can alter ecosystem balance.
D) ecosystem balance is altered by environmental stressors, they conclude.
Correct answer: D
Passage:
Archaeologists excavating a Bronze Age settlement found a variety of tools and ornaments. Given that the artifacts differ in style and material, ______
Options:
A) they infer that the settlement engaged in long-distance trade and cultural exchange.
B) long-distance trade networks existed, they infer.
C) it is inferred that the settlement engaged in long-distance trade and cultural exchange.
D) cultural exchange and trade networks existed, they infer.
Correct answer: A
Passage:
Neuroscientists investigating brain plasticity have found that learning new skills induces structural changes in neural pathways. Because these changes are measurable with imaging techniques, ______
Options:
A) they suggest that cognitive training can reshape the brain throughout life.
B) cognitive training can reshape the brain throughout life, they suggest.
C) it is suggested that cognitive training can reshape the brain throughout life.
D) lifelong brain plasticity results from cognitive training, they suggest.
Correct answer: A
Passage:
Meteorologists have documented an increase in extreme weather events over recent decades. Recognizing that these events coincide with rising global temperatures, ______
Options:
A) they conclude that climate change is intensifying weather patterns.
B) climate change is intensifying weather patterns, they conclude.
C) it is concluded that climate change is intensifying weather patterns.
D) intensified weather patterns are a result of climate change, they conclude.
Correct answer: B
Passage:
Marine biologists studying coral reefs have observed that certain fish species graze on algae, preventing overgrowth. Since algal overgrowth can smother corals, ______
Options:
A) they infer that these fish are critical for maintaining reef health.
B) these fish are critical for maintaining reef health, they infer.
C) it is inferred that these fish are critical for maintaining reef health.
D) reef health depends on the grazing activity of these fish, they infer.
Correct answer: D
Passage:
Geologists examining lava flows have noted variations in cooling patterns that correlate with chemical composition. Because these patterns affect rock formation, ______
Options:
A) they conclude that mineral content influences volcanic rock structures.
B) mineral content influences volcanic rock structures, they conclude.
C) it is concluded that mineral content influences volcanic rock structures.
D) volcanic rock structures are shaped by mineral content, they conclude.
Correct answer: B
Passage:
Sociologists studying urban migration have observed that newcomers tend to cluster in particular neighborhoods. Given that clustering affects social networks and services, ______
Options:
A) they suggest that residential patterns influence community dynamics.
B) residential patterns influence community dynamics, they suggest.
C) it is suggested that residential patterns influence community dynamics.
D) community dynamics are influenced by residential patterns, they suggest.
Correct answer: A
Passage:
Paleontologists examining fossilized footprints have noted variations in stride length and depth. Because these differences indicate individual size and weight, ______
Options:
A) they infer that the tracks provide insight into the population structure of extinct species.
B) tracks provide insight into the population structure of extinct species, they infer.
C) it is inferred that the tracks provide insight into the population structure of extinct species.
D) extinct species’ population structure can be deduced from the tracks, they infer.
Correct answer: D
Passage:
Psychologists studying decision-making under stress have found that individuals prioritize speed over accuracy. Recognizing that this trade-off affects outcomes, ______
Options:
A) they suggest that stress management can improve decision quality.
B) stress management can improve decision quality, they suggest.
C) it is suggested that stress management can improve decision quality.
D) decision quality is improved by stress management, they suggest.
Correct answer: A
Passage:
Ecologists studying predator-prey cycles in grasslands have recorded fluctuations in herbivore populations. Since these fluctuations affect vegetation density, ______
Options:
A) they conclude that population dynamics influence ecosystem structure.
B) population dynamics influence ecosystem structure, they conclude.
C) it is concluded that population dynamics influence ecosystem structure.
D) ecosystem structure is influenced by population dynamics, they conclude.
Correct answer: B
Passage:
Linguists analyzing the development of writing systems have noted that pictographs gradually evolved into alphabetic symbols. Given that evolution varies across regions, ______
Options:
A) they infer that cultural and environmental factors shape script development.
B) cultural and environmental factors shape script development, they infer.
C) it is inferred that cultural and environmental factors shape script development.
D) script development is shaped by cultural and environmental factors, they infer.
Correct answer: D
Passage:
Geographers studying desertification have observed soil erosion and vegetation loss in semi-arid regions. Because these changes impact local livelihoods, ______
Options:
A) they suggest that mitigation strategies are essential for sustainable land management.
B) mitigation strategies are essential for sustainable land management, they suggest.
C) it is suggested that mitigation strategies are essential for sustainable land management.
D) sustainable land management requires mitigation strategies, they suggest.
Correct answer: A
Passage:
Marine ecologists have recorded coral bleaching events that reduce reef biodiversity. Since biodiversity loss affects ecosystem resilience, ______
Options:
A) they conclude that protecting corals is vital for maintaining marine ecosystem stability.
B) protecting corals is vital for maintaining marine ecosystem stability, they conclude.
C) it is concluded that protecting corals is vital for maintaining marine ecosystem stability.
D) marine ecosystem stability depends on coral protection, they conclude.
Correct answer: D
Passage:
Archaeologists studying ancient trade routes have found evidence of exotic goods far from their origin. Because these artifacts vary in type and origin, ______
Options:
A) they infer that long-distance trade networks existed in antiquity.
B) long-distance trade networks existed in antiquity, they infer.
C) it is inferred that long-distance trade networks existed in antiquity.
D) trade networks in antiquity were long-distance, they infer.
Correct answer: C
Passage:
Neuroscientists investigating sensory processing have found that neurons respond differently depending on stimulus intensity. Given that neural response patterns are consistent across individuals, ______
Options:
A) they suggest that fundamental neural mechanisms are conserved among humans.
B) fundamental neural mechanisms are conserved among humans, they suggest.
C) it is suggested that fundamental neural mechanisms are conserved among humans.
D) human neural mechanisms are conserved, they suggest.
Correct answer: A
Passage:
Botanists studying forest regeneration have noted that pioneer species establish quickly in disturbed areas. Since these species facilitate colonization by other plants, ______
Options:
A) they infer that early successional species shape long-term ecosystem composition.
B) early successional species shape long-term ecosystem composition, they infer.
C) it is inferred that early successional species shape long-term ecosystem composition.
D) long-term ecosystem composition is shaped by early successional species, they infer.
Correct answer: D
Passage:
Sociologists analyzing educational attainment have observed disparities across socioeconomic groups. Because disparities influence career opportunities, ______
Options:
A) they suggest that policy interventions are necessary to reduce inequality.
B) policy interventions are necessary to reduce inequality, they suggest.
C) it is suggested that policy interventions are necessary to reduce inequality.
D) reducing inequality requires policy interventions, they suggest.
Correct answer: A
Passage:
Paleoclimatologists examining ice cores have recorded recurring patterns of dust and aerosol deposition. Since these patterns correlate with past climatic events, ______
Options:
A) they conclude that ice core analysis reveals historical climate variability.
B) ice core analysis reveals historical climate variability, they conclude.
C) it is concluded that ice core analysis reveals historical climate variability.
D) historical climate variability is revealed by ice core analysis, they conclude.
Correct answer: D
Passage:
Marine biologists studying whale migration have found that routes shift in response to changes in prey distribution. Recognizing that such shifts affect population dynamics, ______
Options:
A) they infer that ecological interactions influence migratory behavior.
B) ecological interactions influence migratory behavior, they infer.
C) it is inferred that ecological interactions influence migratory behavior.
D) migratory behavior is influenced by ecological interactions, they infer.
Correct answer: B