ATI TEAS 7
ATI TEAS 7 Version 1 Reading Questions
Extract:
What is all this talk of cicadas lately in the United States? You may be wondering why the media has featured it, but in fact, the discussion about Cicadas has emerged about as predictably as the Cicadas themselves from their underground refuge. Let’s get oriented with some background on Cicadas.
What is a Cicada? A typical definition will at least tell you that a cicada is a large, loud insect with transparent wings, mostly found in warm countries. A more detailed response might also inform you that cicadas have short antennae and wide-set eyes that jut out, with delicate, translucent wings- and not only is the cicada loud, but few creatures make a louder sound. In fact, it is male cicadas that are the noisy ones, to the tune of 80 to 100 decibels, which is like the roar od a loud engine. This is because male cicadas make a strident high buzzing by vibrating two membranes on its abdomen called tymbals, effectively turning its body into a kind of echo chamber or drum. Female cicadas cannot replicate the buzzing, though they respond with a clicking sound when they are ready to mate.
Although there are several species of cicada, mating typically takes place in trees whereafter the female deposits the eggs into the bark. When the eggs hatch, the larval cicadas, called nymphs, drop to the ground and burrow. They then live as nymphs for the most of their lives over 6 feet underground, with both male and female cicadas dying within weeks of their emergence from the soil. This is particularly true for north American cicadas, especially the Magicicada, or periodical cicadas, which regularly emerge in intervals of 13 or 17 years, depending on the species and the location. This is why talk of cicadas in the media is as predictable as their emergence in the U.S.
Question 1 of 5
Why do male cicadas make a buzzing sound?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Male cicadas make a buzzing sound primarily to attract a mate. The buzzing sound is produced by vibrating two membranes on their abdomen called tymbals, which serves as a way for male cicadas to communicate and find a mate. Female cicadas, on the other hand, respond with a clicking sound when they are ready to mate. Therefore, the buzzing sound is a crucial part of the mating ritual for male cicadas and plays a significant role in their reproductive process.
Extract:
THE Farallon Island, or devils Teeth, as they are referred to by sailors, area group of small islands with rocky, barren terrain and treacherous, 48 km (30 miles) off the coast of San Francisco, California although the islands are small, with a combined total land area of 0.41km squared (0.16 square miles), they are positioned in a major ocean current, which enables them to house dense populations of birds, rodents seals, and other water mammals.
The abundance of wildlife first attracted Russian and American fur traders in the early 1800s, who then nearly eliminated the seal population in the area. The islands then became an agricultural resource for San Francisco during the gold rush era when egg companies began harvesting bird eggs on the islands. In 1863, violence between viral egg companies erupted on the islands (known as the Egg War") which inadvertently attracted national attention and provoked lawmakers to pass legislation to protect and rehabilitate the island's natural ecosystem.
In 1881, an executive order was passed that decreed egging illegal on the Farallon's. This ended private enterprises on the islands was reinforced in 1909 when President Theodore Roosevelt created the Farallon Reservation to restore human access and preserve that northern island, and over time many of the island original inhabitants have returned.
The Farallon's are now home to the world's largest population of western gull. Seals have returned, as well as otters and sea lions, which in turn attracts great white sharks. The combination of sharks, underwater currents, and jagged coastline are probably what earned the Farallon's their nickname "Devil's Teeth," though it hasn't stopped a few adventurous people from swimming. Four people have completed the 30-mile swim from the islands to San Francisco; the fastest person completed the journey in 14 hours.
Question 2 of 5
Which one of the following supports the detail that the Farallon Islands are a natural home to many animals?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Ocean currents.' The passage mentions that the islands are positioned in a major ocean current, enabling them to house dense populations of birds, rodents, seals, and other water mammals. This indicates that the ocean currents play a significant role in supporting the diverse wildlife on the Farallon Islands. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as human presence, lush landscape, and abundant land are not highlighted as factors contributing to the natural habitat of animals on the islands.
Extract:
THE Farallon Island, or devils Teeth, as they are referred to by sailors, area group of small islands with rocky, barren terrain and treacherous, 48 km (30 miles) off the coast of San Francisco, California although the islands are small, with a combined total land area of 0.41km squared (0.16 square miles), they are positioned in a major ocean current, which enables them to house dense populations of birds, rodents seals, and other water mammals.
The abundance of wildlife first attracted Russian and American fur traders in the early 1800s, who then nearly eliminated the seal population in the area. The islands then became an agricultural resource for San Francisco during the gold rush era when egg companies began harvesting bird eggs on the islands. In 1863, violence between viral egg companies erupted on the islands (known as the Egg War") which inadvertently attracted national attention and provoked lawmakers to pass legislation to protect and rehabilitate the island's natural ecosystem.
In 1881, an executive order was passed that decreed egging illegal on the Farallon's. This ended private enterprises on the islands was reinforced in 1909 when President Theodore Roosevelt created the Farallon Reservation to restore human access and preserve that northern island, and over time many of the island original inhabitants have returned.
The Farallon's are now home to the world's largest population of western gull. Seals have returned, as well as otters and sea lions, which in turn attracts great white sharks. The combination of sharks, underwater currents, and jagged coastline are probably what earned the Farallon's their nickname "Devil's Teeth," though it hasn't stopped a few adventurous people from swimming. Four people have completed the 30-mile swim from the islands to San Francisco; the fastest person completed the journey in 14 hours.
Question 3 of 5
What is the main idea of the passage?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. The passage discusses how human activities, such as fur trading and egg harvesting, disrupted the ecosystem of the Farallon Islands in the early 1800s. This disruption led to the near elimination of seals and other wildlife populations. However, due to national attention and legislative action, efforts were made to protect and rehabilitate the island's natural ecosystem. The passage highlights the restoration efforts that took place over time, showcasing how humans played a role in both disrupting and restoring the ecosystem of the Farallon Islands.
Question 4 of 5
Which of the following organizations might the author of this article most closely associate with?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: A nature conservancy group. The passage focuses on the history of the Farallon Islands, the conservation efforts to protect the wildlife and ecosystem, and the restoration of the natural habitat. References to the protection of wildlife, legislation to preserve the islands' ecosystem, and the return of original inhabitants highlight a strong association with a nature conservancy group that works towards preserving and rehabilitating natural environments. Options A, C, and D are not directly related to the conservation and preservation efforts described in the passage.
Question 5 of 5
Which of the following is a credible source that the author might have consulted to help write the article?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Choice D is the correct answer as it suggests consulting a story published by the Fish and Wildlife Service, originally written by a former refuge manager. This source would provide reliable information on the Farallon Islands' natural ecosystem, wildlife conservation efforts, and historical context. The Fish and Wildlife Service is a reputable organization known for its expertise in wildlife management and conservation, making their publications a credible source for an article on the Farallon Islands. Options A and B are less relevant to the topic and would not offer in-depth insights into the specific subject matter discussed in the article.