SAT Reading: Practice Test 5

Directions: The SAT Reading test consists of five passages on a variety of topics. Each passage is followed by a series of eleven questions. Carefully read the passage that is provided and answer the multiple choice questions based on what is stated or implied. The answers and explanations will be provided at the end of the test

Questions 1–11 are based on the following passages.

Passage 1 is adapted from “The Snakes of Europe” by G.A. Boulenger. Originally published in 1913. Passage 2 is adapted from a recent guidebook for “How to Identify a Snake Species.”

Passage 1

When discussing coloration, we have first to distinguish between the color and the markings. The former is very often highly variable among snakes of the same species, to say nothing of the changes which may take place with age or with the condition of the individual snakes, whether before or after exuviation; it is not unusual to find among specimens from the same locality a great range of variation, from greyish-white to brown, or red, or black, as, for instance, in our Common Viper. The latter afford more important characters, and often furnish valuable indications for the distinction of species; but even the disposition of the markings is subject to great individual variations, more likely to mislead than to help the inexperienced student in the discrimination of species.

It is therefore always advisable to resort in the first instance to structural characters for the purpose of specific identification, and to fall back on coloration only as a means of confirmation. If we were to be guided by color and markings alone, how could we believe that an adult four-lined Coluberquatuorlineatus is of the same species as the handsomely spotted Colubersauromates. Yet, if we compare the young of these two snakes we find them to be absolutely identical in their markings, and, in the absence of any structural differences, we are forced to conclude that they only represent two forms of the same species, of which the latter is the more primitive.

It is nevertheless a fact that, with a few exceptions, the markings, however variable they may be, are reducible to certain fundamental patterns to which the innumerable variations may be traced back, and their derivation followed and scientifically explained. Let us consider, for instance, another species of Coluber, highly variable in its markings: C. leopardinus, of which the typical form, so called from having been the first described and named, is not by any means to be regarded as the most primitive.

Passage 2

Identifying snakes has little to do with the myths surrounding poisonous and non-poisonous characteristics and has more to do with body type classification. There are very few tricks that can be used when determining the venom factor, one of which is pupil shape. All snakes with slit-shaped pupils are poisonous. Not all poisonous snakes have slit-shaped pupils. This one certainty is often difficult to ascertain as it requires you to get extremely close to the snake to make your determination. In reality, snake experts use a methodical system to categorize and identify a snake once it has been found.

The first characteristic assessed is body length. Snakes are categorized into three classes: small, medium, and large. Once length is determined, the width of the snake is also examined. If possible, actual dimensions should be gathered. A snake’s head shape can tell a lot about it, but does not necessarily mean anything in regards to venomous or non-venomous. Many vipers have triangular heads, but other snakes can resemble the same shape when they deliberately flatten their heads in aggression or anxiety. Knowing if the snake has a round, long, or oval head will help in identification but is not any proof of venom or lack thereof. Eye color, pupil shape, location on the face, and eye size should all be noted. These three identifiers: body length and width, head shape, and eye characteristics will narrow down the possibilities for species identification.

Color is usually very helpful in determining the type of snake you have located. Many snakes have distinctive patterns. Noting the patterns and the colors is very important. Sometimes the difference between a harmless snake and a deadly viper is one ring of coloration. Blotches usually refer to patterns with no symmetry. These markings are often rectangular with darker edges. If a diamond pattern is noted, color and color pattern should be noted as well. Are there speckles (flecks of color) or spots (large or small defined, solid color circles)? Ring patterns appear like bands around the width of the snake. Stripes are patterns lengthwise down the body. Some snakes are one color on the dorsal side and a different color on the belly. Distinctive markings on the head and neck may be present. Lastly, some snakes have no markings at all and are one, solid color.

Tail characteristics are another guide to identifying a snake. The tail is defined as the length of body stretching beyond the snake’s anus. Tails can end with a rattle. They can be pointed or rounded. Some have specific patterns. Experts are able to use the number and arrangement of scales on a snake to further assist in the identification process. Some snakes are almost identical, and it is these snakes that need the assistance of habitat evaluation. If a snake cannot be identified by appearance alone, the habits of the species will come into play. Some snakes like rocky soil. Some snakes like sand. Some snakes eat only certain animals, or will only be found out at certain times of day. Not all snakes are found everywhere. Having a good, basic knowledge of the local area will help tremendously.

The important thing to remember is that most “quick” identification advice is based loosely on truth. You cannot always be certain of a snake’s venom potential just by the shape of its head, the color of its body, the habitat it lives in, or the color and shape of its eyes.

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Question 1

According to Passage 1, what is true about Coluberquatuorlineatus and Colubersauromates?

A
They have identical markings.
B
The Coluberquatuorlineatus is unrelated to the Colubersauromates.
C
The adult snakes do not resemble their young.
D
Colubersauromates evolved before Coluberquatuorlineatus.
Question 1 Explanation: 
The correct answer is (D). This is a detail question. These two snakes are mentioned in the second paragraph of Passage 1. If you chose (A): this is directly contradicted by what is stated in the passage. The two snakes do NOT have identical markings. Choice (B) is incorrect because the passage states that the two forms are of the same species, “of which the latter is the more primitive”. If you chose (C), this is too extreme of an inference. Remember, the correct answer should stick closely to what is directly stated by the passage. The author states that the young of each snake resemble each other, which implies that at least one of the snakes’ markings change as they mature. However, this is not enough to make the assumption that the adult snakes do not resemble their young. They could resemble their young in significant ways other than markings.
Question 2

Which choice provides the best evidence for the answer to the previous question?

(Use the left arrow below to go back and review the previous question.)

A
Paragraph 2, Sentence 1 (“It is … confirmation)
B
Paragraph 2, Sentence 3 (“Yet, if we…primitive.”)
C
Paragraph 3, Sentence 1 (“It is…explained.”)
D
Paragraph 3, Sentence 2 (“Let us consider…primitive.”)
Question 2 Explanation: 
The correct answer is (B). “Yet, if we compare the young of these two snakes we find them to be absolutely identical in their markings, and, in the absence of any structural differences, we are forced to conclude that they only represent two forms of the same species, of which the latter is the more primitive.” This indicates that these snakes ARE of the same species, despite the fact that they have different markings (one is “four-lined” and the other is “spotted”). The Colubersauromates are the more primitive of the two creatures and therefore represent an earlier stage in evolutionary development of the species.
Question 3

In Passage 1, the author is primarily concerned with doing which of the following?

A
Establishing a framework for additional discussion.
B
Pointing out features unique to a particular animal species.
C
Explaining evolutionary trends in snake color and markings.
D
Comparing the appearance of multiple species.
Question 3 Explanation: 
The correct answer is (A). This is a main idea question. The correct answer must encompass all of the paragraphs and correctly match the scope of the passage. The first sentence of the passage is, “When discussing coloration, we have first to distinguish between the color and the markings.” The three paragraphs in Passage 1 appear to be a tangential discussion within the larger framework of “snake coloration.” The author first wants to clarify for the reader the difference between color and markings before moving on to a broader discussion of “coloration.”

Choices (B) and (D) are specific to one paragraph only, while (C) is outside the scope of the passage as a whole; nothing about “evolutionary trends” is learned from this passage.
Question 4

Which of the following inferences about snake coloring and markings is most supported by Passage 1?

A
Coloring can be classified by a finite number of reducible patterns.
B
Coloring can be as reliable an indicator of species as markings.
C
Two different species of snake will not have the same coloring and markings.
D
Coloring sometimes helps distinguish snake species.
Question 4 Explanation: 
The correct answer is (D). This is an inference question. The second paragraph states:

“It is therefore always advisable to resort in the first instance to structural characters for the purpose of specific identification, and to fall back on coloration only as a means of confirmation.”

If coloring can be used as a ‘fall back,’ then it is reasonable to infer that it can sometimes be used to distinguish snake species. Choice (D) is the “most supported” inference and therefore correct. It is important to note that “sometimes helps” implies that there are cases in which coloring does not help, which is a statement supported in the passage.
Question 5

Which of the following best describes the relationship of the statement about C. leopardinus in Passage 1 to the passage as a whole?

A
It presents a hypothesis that disproves an earlier statement.
B
It offers an alternate interpretation of a previous idea.
C
It distills the broader point of the passage into a specific example.
D
It answers an anticipated question that the reader might have based on prior information.
Question 5 Explanation: 
The correct answer is (B). This is a function question. Why does the author include the detail about C. leopardinus? The sentence in question states that snake markings, though variable, are reducible to certain fundamental patterns, which helps classification. C. leopardinus is given as an example of a snake with variable markings but is not the most “primitive.” The previous idea is that markings are highly variable. The alternate interpretation is that these variations can actually aid classification since they follow reducible patterns.

If you chose (A): nothing is disproved with this example. If you chose (C): the inclusion of this snake species does not really exemplify a specific point that the author is making. In fact, the overall tone of the passage is informational, not persuasive. If you chose (D): there is nothing in this paragraph to indicate that the reader may have an anticipated question.
Question 6

Unlike Passage 1, Passage 2 emphasizes that which of the following can be used to identify a snake species?

A
Color and tail characteristics.
B
Body markings and head shape.
C
Body length and markings.
D
Pupil shape and body width.
Question 6 Explanation: 
The correct answer is (D). Passage 1 emphasizes the importance of using snake markings to identify a species. Color is mentioned as well, but is deemphasized as a method of identification. Passage 2 also mentions color and markings, but adds body length and width, head shape, and eye characteristics, as well as tail characteristics. The only answer choice here to mention two things NOT included in Passage 1 is (D).
Question 7

How are the authors of the passages different in their beliefs regarding snake classification?

A
The first believes one method of classification is less valuable than another form, while the second believes all forms of classification are helpful.
B
The first does not believe that it is possible to identify two separate species without looking at the markings, while the second believes it is.
C
The first believes it is possible to determine whether a snake is poisonous based on its physical characteristics, while the second does not.
D
The first does not believe that variable markings can be scientifically explained, while the second posits that they can be if enough analysis is done on each specific snake.
Question 7 Explanation: 
The correct answer is (A). The author of Passage 1 believes that using color to try to identify a species is not as helpful as using the markings, since snakes of the same species can sometimes have different colors. The author of Passage 2 states that, “Color is usually very helpful in determining the type of snake you have located” (paragraph 3), and in the next line calls it “important.”

If you chose (B): while tempting, this is too-extreme an interpretation of the position held by the author of Passage 1. Just because he emphasizes the importance of analyzing the markings of a snake, does not mean that he thinks there is not an alternate way of identifying a particular species.
Question 8

As used in paragraph 3 of Passage 2, the word “dorsal” most nearly means

A
anterior.
B
ventral.
C
back.
D
headmost.
Question 8 Explanation: 
The correct answer is (C). This is a vocab-in-context question. In context, Passage 2 states, “Some snakes are one color on the dorsal side and a different color on the belly.” It must be that “dorsal” means the opposite of the “belly.” On a snake, the belly touches the ground and is on the bottom. The “dorsal” must be the top of the snake, or its “back.” Both “anterior” and “ventral” refer to the front of the animal.
Question 9

According to Passage 2, how could it be determined that a snake is poisonous by examining it?

A
If the snake’s body has specific markings.
B
If the snakes pupils are a specific shape.
C
If the snake’s tail has a specific shape.
D
It cannot generally be determined.
Question 9 Explanation: 
The correct answer is (B). This is a detail question. In order to answer this question correctly, we must go back to the passage. The author of Passage 2 states, “There are very few tricks that can be used when determining the venom factor, one of which is pupil shape. All snakes with slit-shaped pupils are poisonous. Not all poisonous snakes have slit-shaped pupils.” Not every poisonous snake has slit-shaped pupils, but every snake with slit-shaped pupils is poisonous, which means you can determine that a snake is poisonous if it has slit-shaped pupils.
Question 10

Both the author of Passage 1 and the author of Passage 2 would agree with which of the following statements?

A
It is relatively easy to categorize a snake if you can get close enough to it.
B
Snakes can be easily categorized by the color of their skin and the markings on their bodies.
C
Snake categorization may be more challenging than it first appears.
D
Snake categorization should only be attempted by a scientific professional with experience working with reptiles.
Question 10 Explanation: 
The correct answer is (C). The authors disagree about the value of categorizing a snake by its skin color, but both agree that examining the marking on the body of a snake can help in its categorization. The authors also agree that there is some degree of difficulty involved in snake classification, and Passage 2 goes so far as to mention “myths” involving assumptions that the general public makes about snakes based on their appearance. Due to the overlap in discussion of the challenges associated with categorizing a snake, answer choice (C) is best.
Question 11

Which of the following most likely describes “habitat evaluation” as mentioned in Passage 2?

A
Recording the climate, windfall, temperature, and humidity of the area in which a snake has been found.
B
Recording the length, width, and weight of each individual snake found in the habitat.
C
Recording the types of soil found in the area in which snakes have been seen.
D
Recording the regular behavior of the snake in relation to its environment.
Question 11 Explanation: 
The correct answer is (D). This is an inference question. In order to answer this question correctly, you must find the relevant details in the passage and then select the answer choice that is best supported by those details. Passage 2 states:

“Some snakes are almost identical, and it is these snakes that need the assistance of habitat evaluation. If a snake cannot be identified by appearance alone, the habits of the species will come into play. Some snakes like rocky soil. Some snakes like sand. Some snakes eat only certain animals, or will only be found out at certain times of day.”

Habitat evaluation most likely involves finding out the snakes’ habits—what soil they prefer, what their eating habits are, and where they are located throughout the day.

Choice (C) may be tempting, but there is a difference between recording soil samples and recording the snake’s preference for one soil type versus another.
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