TOEFL Reading 20

 

[1] Fossils give us a lot of evidence about the behaviour of extinct animals, reproduction and parental care. To discover dinosaur fossils, it’s important to find rocks of the right age. For example, in ancient rock exposures, we find only fossils of plants or marine organisms. In younger rocks, we find fossils of mammals, such as whales and horses. Palaeontologists can provide information on the exact age of rocks (225 to 65.6 million years old) that contain dinosaur fossils.
 

[2] Important clues of dinosaur behaviour include fossilized eggs and nests. There is evidence that dinosaurs took care of their babies after hatching from the discovery of skeletons of the theropod dinosaur Citipati. These skeletons were found in brooding positions which suggests that these dinosaurs were protecting their eggs. Bones of older babies in nests of the duckbill dinosaur Maiasaura were also discovered, along with a fossil of an adult Psittacosaurus preserved with the skeletons of tiny babies.
 

[3] Discovery of trackways suggests that some dinosaurs lived in family groups. These trackways are the prints of dinosaurs, of the same species, going in the same direction. Founded on these pieces of evidence as well as the behaviour of dinosaur descendants – birds and crocodiles – we know that dinosaurs took care of their young.
 

[4] Based on the studies of dinosaur skeletons, scientists understand that dinosaurs stood with their legs directly underneath their bodies, as horses and elephants do. For example, the sauropod dinosaur walked with huge, straight legs that had not yet adapted to running and jumping. However, Ornithomimid dinosaurs had long, skinny legs and Ostrich-like feet. These feet permitted them to run fast. The trackway evidence shows the actual movement of the dinosaur. We can estimate the speed of the animal and whether or not it used two or four legs. Other marks indicate how the dinosaur sat down.
 

[5] Fossils also give clues of the diet of our ancient predecessors. Scientists examine fossilized stomach contents to see what dinosaurs ate. The teeth and jaws can also give insight into feeding behavior and diets of dinosaurs. Dinosaurs with big muscles and huge jaws probably killed and ate large animals. The teeth vary from thin or sharp to large and thick. Similarities in the shape and type of teeth and jaws reflect a similar diet of a species. We can assume, from this hypothesis, that these dinosaurs were good at biting but their teeth did not allow them to chew very well. Scientists are beginning to understand which dinosaurs were meat-eaters and which ones were plant-eaters, based on their study of microwear (wear marks) on tooth enamel.
 

[6] Fossils of faeces are called coprolites. They consist of digested animal or plant tissues. A close study of these tissues gives information about the diet of dinosaurs. However, it is very difficult to identify the type of dinosaur with the coprolite and to associate the species of a dinosaur with its footprints. Nevertheless, scientists can narrow down the identities of dinosaur trackmakers by contrasting the foot size and shape, movement pattern and evidence of body size revealed by the trackmakers with other information about dinosaur species.
 

[7] For example, the front foot of an ankylosaur has five digits – or fingers – in an arch pattern. The organization of the hand bones and fingers has formed prints discovered in ancient rock. We know from skeletons that this type of hand or palm belonged to this species of dinosaur. Other dinosaurs have fewer ‘fingers’. From further evidence, scientists have also been able to identify some ankylosaur prints as nodosaur prints, common in the Early Cretaceous period.

1 Which of the following can be inferred from paragraph 1 about fossils?

• To find dinosaur fossils, check the age of the rock formation first.
• To find dinosaurs, check the age of the rock formation first.
• To find fossils, check the age of the rock formation first.
• To identify a dinosaur fossil, the age of the rocks must be 225 to 265.6 million years old.

ANSWER EXPLANATION

Question is worth: 1 point.

Correct Answer: a
Your Selection: Not Answered

(A) is the correct answer because there is evidence to support this statement in paragraph 1.
The key to answering the inference question successfully is to highlight the statements in the text that refer to fossils. Line 2 states, To find fossils of dinosaurs, it’s important to find rocks of the right age. Later in the paragraph, we learn that ancient dinosaur fossils were found in rock formations of 225 to 265.6 million years old. Therefore, we can safely infer that answer (A) is the correct answer.


(B) is wrong because it refers to dinosaurs, not dinosaur fossils. It would be impossible to find dinosaurs as they are extinct.

(C) is not the correct answer because it refers only to fossils, not fossils of dinosaurs. Paragraph 1 explicitly refers to dinosaur fossils.

(D) is not right because the paragraph doesn’t state it is necessary for a rock formation to be a certain age to identify a dinosaur fossil.

2 In paragraph 2, why does the author mention the dinosaur Citipati?

• Because the skeletons of these dinosaurs are the only remaining evidence of dinosaur with young babies.
• Because the skeletons of these dinosaurs show they were brooding their young after they had hatched.
• Because the skeletons of these dinosaurs show they were preserved with tiny babies.
• Because the skeletons of these dinosaurs show fossilized eggs and nests.

ANSWER EXPLANATION

Question is worth: 1 point.

Correct Answer: b
Your Selection: Not Answered

(B) is the correct answer.
The key to answering this question correctly is to find the reason in the text that the author refers to Citipati. Firstly, identify this point in the paragraph and secondly, clarify the general meaning and reason for the reference. We understand that the author is referring to evidence that dinosaurs took care of their young (paragraph 2, line 2). The example of Citipati proves this point. Answer (A) is correct.
There is evidence that dinosaurs took care of their babies after hatching from the discovery of skeletons of the theropod dinosaur Citipati.

3 According to paragraph 3, what do the trackways and other evidence prove?

• That dinosaurs of the same species moved in the same direction.
• That birds and crocodiles are descendants of dinosaurs.
• That dinosaurs lived in family groups.
• That dinosaurs took care of their young.

ANSWER EXPLANATION

Question is worth: 1 point.

Correct Answer: d
Your Selection: Not Answered

(D) is the correct answer because there is evidence to support this statement in paragraph 2:

The key to answering this question correctly is to find the reference to trackways and evidence (from the question) in the text. We understand from the highlighted key words and conclusion that dinosaurs took care of their young – answer (D).

Trackways = evidence of dinosaur family groups
Dinosaurs took care of their young

Discovery of trackways suggests that some dinosaurs lived in family groups. These trackways are the prints of dinosaurs, of the same species, going in the same direction. Founded on these pieces of evidence as well as the behaviour of dinosaur descendants – birds and crocodiles – we know that dinosaurs took care of their young.

(A) is not the right answer because even though dinosaurs moved in the same direction, this point is a fact in the text and not a conclusion of the evidence.

(B) is not right. Although it may be true, this point is not stated in the passage. This answer aims to confuse the reader as there is a reference to birds and crocodiles.

(C) is also wrong because the point that dinosaurs lived in family groups is a suggestion early in the paragraph and is not its conclusion.

4 According to paragraph 4, all of the following statements are true about the physiology of dinosaurs EXCEPT:

• Dinosaurs had a similar body shape to horses and elephants.
• Ornithomimid dinosaurs had long, skinny legs.
• We can learn the movement of the dinosaur with the trackway evidence.
• We also have evidence that show how dinosaurs sat down.

ANSWER EXPLANATION

Question is worth: 1 point.

Correct Answer: a
Your Selection: Not Answered

(A) is the correct answer.

To answer the question successfully, read the answers carefully and remember that you are looking for the false statement. Then, scan paragraph 4 and find the matching information that correspond to the true answers. Answer (A) is the only false statement as the paragraph states dinosaurs' legs (not their body shape) were similar to horses and elephants:
...dinosaurs stood with their legs directly underneath their bodies, as horses and elephants do.
Here are the statements in paragraph 4 that support answers (B), (C) and (D):

(B) However, Ornithomimid dinosaurs had long, skinny legs and Ostrich-like feet.

(C) These trackways are the prints of dinosaurs, of the same species, going in the same direction.

(D) Other marks indicate how the dinosaur sat down.

5 Paragraph 5 supports which of the following statements about microwear:

• Microwear helps scientists study the tooth shape and size of the dinosaur.
• Microwear helps scientists understand the way dinosaurs bit or chewed food.
• Microwear helps scientists understand whether the dinosaur was a meat-eater or plant-eater.
• Microwear helps scientists understand the exact type and species of dinosaur.

ANSWER EXPLANATION

Question is worth: 1 point.

Correct Answer: c
Your Selection: Not Answered

(C) is the correct answer because there is evidence to support this statement in paragraph 5:

The technique to answering the question is to find supporting reference to microwear in the paragraph for one statement in the list of answers. Scan the answers carefully and identify the matching words/information that you have noted in paragraph 4. We find in the text that Scientists are beginning to understand which dinosaurs were meat-eaters and which ones were plant-eaters, based on their study of microwear (wear marks) on tooth enamel.

(A) is not the correct answer. Even though there is a reference to tooth size in relation to feeding behaviour of dinosaurs, it is not the final purpose of the study of microwear.

(B) is not right either. Although we learn about how dinosaurs bit and chew food through clues, it is not the final conclusion of the microwear research.

(D) is not the correct answer as microwear does not help scientists understand the exact type and species of dinosaur, but whether they were plant or meat eaters.

6 The word 'narrow down' in paragraph 6 is closest in meaning to:

• Reduce to a number of possibilities
• Eliminate
• Make narrow
• Enlarge

ANSWER EXPLANATION

Question is worth: 1 point.

Correct Answer: a
Your Selection: Not Answered

(A) is the correct answer because it is closest in meaning to the word narrow down.

The general meaning of paragraph 6 is the use of trackmarkers by scientists to identify and get specific about types of dinosaurs based on coprolite. Hence, answer (A) is a perfect match.

(B) is not the correct answer because this word means get rid of. This word would be illogical in the sentence.

(C) is wrong because this word means make thinner. This answer aims to confuse the reader as it contains the word narrow in it.

(D) is incorrect as this word means make bigger which again, is not an appropriate synonym.

7 Which of the sentences below best expresses the essential information in the following sentence?

Nevertheless, scientists can narrow down the identities of dinosaur trackmakers by contrasting the foot size and shape, movement pattern and evidence of body size revealed by the trackmakers with other information about dinosaur species.

• However, researchers have been able to reduce the possible identity of dinosaur species by comparing the size and form of the footprint, pattern of movement and proof of body size as shown by the trackmakers along with other information about that species.
• Additionally, researchers have been able to reduce the possible identity of dinosaur species by benchmarking the size and form of the footprint, pattern of movement and proof of body size not indicated by the trackmakers along with other information about that species.
• Nevertheless, researchers have been able to reduce the possibilities of dinosaur species by comparing the size of the footprint, pattern of movement and proof of body size as reflected by trackmakers in contrast to other information about that species.
• Finally, researchers have been able to reduce the possible range of dinosaur species by comparing the size and form of the footprint, pattern of movement and proof of body size as shown by the trackmakers along with other information about that species.

ANSWER EXPLANATION

Question is worth: 1 point.

Correct Answer: a
Your Selection: Not Answered

(A) is the correct answer because it is closest in meaning to the sample sentence.
The strategy in answering this question accurately is to highlight the key words in the sentence, clarify the general meaning and then match both to the correct answer from the list of responses.
Let’s look at the synonyms between the statement from the text and the first answer:

Nevertheless, scientists can narrow down the identities of dinosaur = However, researchers have been able to reduce the possible identity of dinosaur species

by contrasting the foot size and shape, movement pattern and evidence of body size = by comparing the size and form of the footprint, pattern of movement and proof of body size

revealed by the track makers with other information about dinosaur species = as shown by the trackmakers along with other information about that species.

This answer offers all the correct synonyms, matching words and general meaning.

(B) is incorrect because the word additionally changes the meaning of the sample sentence and inverts its meaning by stating that trackmarkers were not supporting evidence.

(C) is wrong because it makes a contrast never stated in the original sentence.

(D) is not right as the text states the fact that scientists have not been able to narrow down identities of the species of dinosaurs.

8 Which of the following is true, according to the passage?

• Despite discovery of extensive fossils, it’s impossible to know what the diet of any dinosaur species was.
• Despite discovery of extensive fossils, it’s difficult to really know what the diet of any dinosaur species was.
• Thanks to the discovery of extensive fossils, it’s possible to know what the diet of some dinosaur species was.
• Smaller-muscled dinosaurs were probably meat-eaters that attacked other animals.

ANSWER EXPLANATION

Question is worth: 1 point.

Correct Answer: c
Your Selection: Not Answered

(C) is the correct answer because it is suggested. in the passage:
To answer this question correctly, scan the answers and highlight key words that match the reference to the passage title, Fossils. As each answer refers to the diet of dinosaurs, look for this information. We find it in paragraph 5, line 1: Fossils also give clues about the diet of our ancient predecessors.

(A) is not the correct answer because it contradicts the first sentence of paragraph 5.
(B) is incorrect as it also contradicts the first sentence of paragraph 5.
(D) is not right because the text states that Dinosaurs with big muscles and huge jaws probably killed and ate large animals.

9 Examine the four █ in the selection below and indicate at which block the following sentence could be inserted into the passage:

Scientists have recovered other types of fossils that lead to an understanding of dinosaurs’ diet.

 

█ [A] Fossils of faeces are called coprolites. They consist of digested animal or plant tissues. █ [B] A close study of these tissues gives information about the diet of dinosaurs. █ [C] However, it is very difficult to identify the type of dinosaur with the coprolite. █ [D] .

• [A]
• [B]
• [C]
• [D]

ANSWER EXPLANATION

Question is worth: 1 point.

Correct Answer: a
Your Selection: Not Answered

(A) is the correct answer. The key to answering this ‘Insert a sentence’ question is to clarify the type of sentence it is. In this case, it is a topic sentence introduces other types of fossils. It is immediately followed by a first example – coprolites.

(B), (C) and (D) are incorrect as the sentence would be inserted too late at any other point.

10Directions: An introductory sentence for a brief summary of the passage is provided below. Complete the summary by selecting the THREE answer choices that express the most important ideas in the passage. Some sentences do not belong in the summary because they express ideas that are not presented in the passage or are minor ideas in the passage. This question is worth 2 points.

Drag your answer choices to the spaces where they belong. To remove an answer choice, drag it back. To review the passage, click VIEW TEXT.

 

The teeth and jaws also point to the feeding behavior and diet of dinosaurs.

• a. It’s likely that muscular dinosaurs with large jaws attacked and ate their prey.
• c. Teeth shape indicates the diet of the dinosaur.
• e. Microwear (wear marks) on tooth enamel helps understand whether the dinosaur was a meat-eater or a plant-eater.

 

• a. It’s likely that muscular dinosaurs with large jaws attacked and ate their prey.
• b. The teeth of meat-eating dinosaurs were large and thick.
• c. Teeth shape indicates the diet of the dinosaur.
• d. We believe, from a study of dinosaurs’ teeth, that they chewed well.
• e. Microwear (wear marks) on tooth enamel helps understand whether the dinosaur was a meat-eater or a plant-eater.
•  

ANSWER EXPLANATION

Question is worth: 2 points.

Correct Answer: a,c,e
Your Selection: Not Answered

(A), (C) and (E) are the correct answers because there is evidence in the passage supporting each point.
To answer the question successfully, scan the sentences carefully, identify key words and read through the entire passage to find matching sentences with the same meaning and synonyms. Make sure to avoid confusing or deceptive answers.
Here are the statements from the passage to support the correct answers:

(A) Dinosaurs with big muscles and huge jaws probably killed and ate large animals.

(C) Scientists examine fossilized stomach contents to see what dinosaurs ate. The teeth and jaws also point to the feeding behavior and diet of dinosaurs.

(E) Scientists are beginning to understand which dinosaurs were meat-eaters and which ones were plant-eaters, based on their study of microwear (wear marks) on tooth enamel.

(B) is wrong as there is no indication in the passage that meat-eaters had large and thick teeth, although it may be true.

(D) is not the correct answer because the text states that certain dinosaurs did not chew well... these dinosaurs were good at biting but their teeth did not allow them to chew very well.