HESI A2: Reading Comprehension (Quiz 4)

However, data suggests that these circumstances are only partly responsible for the lemurs’ disappearance from Madagascar. Rather, deforestation seems to be the most prevailing factor in their extinction. The forests covering Madagascar have decreased by more than 40% between 1950 and 2000. With a lack of lush trees and cool forests, lemurs stray from their original habitats in order to find new places to call home. In fact, data suggest that lemurs are not the only animals who make this decision. As of now, approximately 53% of African primate species are endangered due to the systematic destruction of their habitat. If this situation continues, it is likely that other animals will follow suit, further increasing the rate at which animals are becoming extinct in the African forests. Which of the following is NOT discussed as a fact about deforestation?

The Solar System in High Definition: Televisions with high-definition capabilities have revolutionized the ways in which people watch television. Surprisingly, the same logic applies to viewing planets, stars, and the entire solar system! Thanks to recent advancements in high-tech telescopes and imaging systems, astronomers are now able to view space elements — and even new planets — in a more detailed manner with a multitude of possibilities. The Kepler space telescope was launched in 2009, with the intent to survey the area surrounding the Milky Way and to estimate how many stars in the area contained habitable zones. Although the telescope was officially retired in 2018, the data it procured has remained useful to this day. One example of its efficacy was its ability to help identify the exoplanet, Kepler-1649c, which had characteristics quite similar to Planet Earth. Although it has since been proven that the exoplanet maintains a temperature that is not conducive to life, it remains the most similar planet to Earth thus far. Had it not been for the Kepler space telescope, this new planet would not have been traceable using the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA) most updated software tools. High-definition systems can also prove useful when capturing images of our very own star: the sun. Researchers from the University of Lancaster recently utilized the most powerful High-Resolution Coronal Imager (otherwise known as Hi-C), which highlights areas that are upto 70 kilometers in the Sun’s atmosphere. Thanks to this tool, astronomers were able to capture high-resolution photographs of the sun for the first time in history. Among other things, these photographs showcased thin gas-containing structures with a temperature of up to a million degrees Celsius! Additionally, these images can shed light on why solar storms occur, and potentially put an end to their destruction of satellites in outer space. Perhaps one of the most intriguing uses of the high-definition tools involves supernova explosions. These instances of powerful stellar explosions occur near the end of a star’s evolutionary stage when they are not able to maintain their chemical equilibrium. Researchers from the University of Birmingham have recently detected and captured images of the most powerful supernova explosion to date, classified as SN2016aps, which occurred nearly 3.6 million light-years away from Planet Earth. Through the use of a Panoramic Survey Telescope and Rapid Response System (Pan-STARRS), scientists discovered that the SN2016aps not only emitted the most light of any supernova, but that it also released five times the amount of radiation when compared to a normal-sized supernova. Research tools, computer programs, and data imaging software will continue to evolve as long as the need for space exploration develops. Just as technology seeks to simplify our daily lives one device at a time, advancements in space imaging software will bring us one step closer to understanding the universe in which we live. What is the main idea of the passage?

Does Low Body Temperature Cause Illness?: As children, we are often told to dress warmly in the winter so we do not get sick. This is a common piece of advice, but is there any truth behind it? In fact, there is no scientific evidence to suggest that being cold can get you sick. Most illnesses are caused by viruses and bacteria. Illnesses like strep throat, influenza, and the common cold are only spread through contact with other infected people. How cold you are when you come into contact with the virus or bacteria has nothing to do with whether or not you will get sick. The effect of body temperature on contracting illness was tested on human beings in the 1950s. Researchers divided volunteers into two groups: half of them were kept in a warm room and the other half were kept in a cold room. Both groups were then exposed to rhinovirus–the virus responsible for the common cold. The researchers discovered that members of both groups developed colds at the same rate. Since that first experiment, there have been similar experiments performed with a variety of different illnesses. All have yielded the same result: being cold does not make a person more likely to get sick. Of course, it does seem that people do get sick more often when the weather is cold. However, this is because there is some evidence that people do get sick more often in cold weather, but it has nothing to do with forgetting to bundle up when it is chilly. When it is cold outside, people tend to stay inside. With so many people gathered closely together indoors, germs are spread more easily. Germs are spread from person to person, regardless of how cold or warm their bodies are. What is the author’s purpose in writing this passage?

The Solar System in High Definition: Televisions with high-definition capabilities have revolutionized the ways in which people watch television. Surprisingly, the same logic applies to viewing planets, stars, and the entire solar system! Thanks to recent advancements in high-tech telescopes and imaging systems, astronomers are now able to view space elements — and even new planets — in a more detailed manner with a multitude of possibilities. The Kepler space telescope was launched in 2009, with the intent to survey the area surrounding the Milky Way and to estimate how many stars in the area contained habitable zones. Although the telescope was officially retired in 2018, the data it procured has remained useful to this day. One example of its efficacy was its ability to help identify the exoplanet, Kepler-1649c, which had characteristics quite similar to Planet Earth. Although it has since been proven that the exoplanet maintains a temperature that is not conducive to life, it remains the most similar planet to Earth thus far. Had it not been for the Kepler space telescope, this new planet would not have been traceable using the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA) most updated software tools. High-definition systems can also prove useful when capturing images of our very own star: the sun. Researchers from the University of Lancaster recently utilized the most powerful High-Resolution Coronal Imager (otherwise known as Hi-C), which highlights areas that are upto 70 kilometers in the Sun’s atmosphere. Thanks to this tool, astronomers were able to capture high-resolution photographs of the sun for the first time in history. Among other things, these photographs showcased thin gas-containing structures with a temperature of up to a million degrees Celsius! Additionally, these images can shed light on why solar storms occur, and potentially put an end to their destruction of satellites in outer space. Perhaps one of the most intriguing uses of the high-definition tools involves supernova explosions. These instances of powerful stellar explosions occur near the end of a star’s evolutionary stage when they are not able to maintain their chemical equilibrium. Researchers from the University of Birmingham have recently detected and captured images of the most powerful supernova explosion to date, classified as SN2016aps, which occurred nearly 3.6 million light-years away from Planet Earth. Through the use of a Panoramic Survey Telescope and Rapid Response System (Pan-STARRS), scientists discovered that the SN2016aps not only emitted the most light of any supernova, but that it also released five times the amount of radiation when compared to a normal-sized supernova. Research tools, computer programs, and data imaging software will continue to evolve as long as the need for space exploration develops. Just as technology seeks to simplify our daily lives one device at a time, advancements in space imaging software will bring us one step closer to understanding the universe in which we live. What is the main idea of the second paragraph?

Despite the popularity of the common phrase, “Money can’t buy happiness”, scientists are prepared to disprove this idea with data. After testing the impacts of an alternative form of welfare on unemployed citizens, scientists have recently analyzed preliminary results of a popular two-year experiment held in Finland. They seek to explore whether a fixed minimum earning system could affect the satisfaction and happiness of unemployed citizens along with decreasing unemployment rates. The results may determine how the country – and others – move forward when it comes to universal social security systems. What is the meaning of the word “universal” as it is used in the paragraph?

Does Low Body Temperature Cause Illness?: As children, we are often told to dress warmly in the winter so we do not get sick. This is a common piece of advice, but is there any truth behind it? In fact, there is no scientific evidence to suggest that being cold can get you sick. Most illnesses are caused by viruses and bacteria. Illnesses like strep throat, influenza, and the common cold are only spread through contact with other infected people. How cold you are when you come into contact with the virus or bacteria has nothing to do with whether or not you will get sick. The effect of body temperature on contracting illness was tested on human beings in the 1950s. Researchers divided volunteers into two groups: half of them were kept in a warm room and the other half were kept in a cold room. Both groups were then exposed to rhinovirus–the virus responsible for the common cold. The researchers discovered that members of both groups developed colds at the same rate. Since that first experiment, there have been similar experiments performed with a variety of different illnesses. All have yielded the same result: being cold does not make a person more likely to get sick. Of course, it does seem that people do get sick more often when the weather is cold. However, this is because there is some evidence that people do get sick more often in cold weather, but it has nothing to do with forgetting to bundle up when it is chilly. When it is cold outside, people tend to stay inside. With so many people gathered closely together indoors, germs are spread more easily. Germs are spread from person to person, regardless of how cold or warm their bodies are. What is a potential reason as to why the author opened the passage with a childhood reference and a question?

The Solar System in High Definition: Televisions with high-definition capabilities have revolutionized the ways in which people watch television. Surprisingly, the same logic applies to viewing planets, stars, and the entire solar system! Thanks to recent advancements in high-tech telescopes and imaging systems, astronomers are now able to view space elements — and even new planets — in a more detailed manner with a multitude of possibilities. The Kepler space telescope was launched in 2009, with the intent to survey the area surrounding the Milky Way and to estimate how many stars in the area contained habitable zones. Although the telescope was officially retired in 2018, the data it procured has remained useful to this day. One example of its efficacy was its ability to help identify the exoplanet, Kepler-1649c, which had characteristics quite similar to Planet Earth. Although it has since been proven that the exoplanet maintains a temperature that is not conducive to life, it remains the most similar planet to Earth thus far. Had it not been for the Kepler space telescope, this new planet would not have been traceable using the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA) most updated software tools. High-definition systems can also prove useful when capturing images of our very own star: the sun. Researchers from the University of Lancaster recently utilized the most powerful High-Resolution Coronal Imager (otherwise known as Hi-C), which highlights areas that are upto 70 kilometers in the Sun’s atmosphere. Thanks to this tool, astronomers were able to capture high-resolution photographs of the sun for the first time in history. Among other things, these photographs showcased thin gas-containing structures with a temperature of up to a million degrees Celsius! Additionally, these images can shed light on why solar storms occur, and potentially put an end to their destruction of satellites in outer space. Perhaps one of the most intriguing uses of the high-definition tools involves supernova explosions. These instances of powerful stellar explosions occur near the end of a star’s evolutionary stage when they are not able to maintain their chemical equilibrium. Researchers from the University of Birmingham have recently detected and captured images of the most powerful supernova explosion to date, classified as SN2016aps, which occurred nearly 3.6 million light-years away from Planet Earth. Through the use of a Panoramic Survey Telescope and Rapid Response System (Pan-STARRS), scientists discovered that the SN2016aps not only emitted the most light of any supernova, but that it also released five times the amount of radiation when compared to a normal-sized supernova. Research tools, computer programs, and data imaging software will continue to evolve as long as the need for space exploration develops. Just as technology seeks to simplify our daily lives one device at a time, advancements in space imaging software will bring us one step closer to understanding the universe in which we live. What is the main idea of the fourth paragraph?

Interior Secrets of the Pyramids History textbooks are likely to include photographs or illustrated depictions of ancient Egyptian pyramids, showcasing their grandeur and architectural wonder. Can the same be said for authentic depictions of the internal features of these pyramids though? Thanks to a new international mission exploring the various layers of famous pyramids, scientists plan to unravel these “interior design mysteries” through the use of advanced technology. They may even prove that past archaeological exploration projects have not been as extensive as was once imagined. The four pyramids involved in the study include the two pyramids of Giza (Cheops and Chfren) along with the two pyramids of Dahshur, located south of Cairo. Initially, further research devoted to these structures seemed futile, as the 4,500-year-old pyramids have already been explored by experts. However, they have never been investigated using infrared technology, which could allow scientists to discover any additional hidden chambers in the pyramids without using destructive methods. In other words, the international team of researchers will be able to look through each structure using “X-ray vision” for the first time in history! The primary technique in the project will involve directing beams of indirect cosmic rays on the pyramids themselves. When cosmic rays bombard a certain area in the atmosphere, they produce particles known as muons, which have a high ability to traverse matter. Although the properties of muons make them excellent options for “seeing” through the pyramids’ rocks, some of them would still be absorbed by the rocks themselves. To solve this problem, scientists will use tools that are able to detect any voids in the pyramids by analyzing the number of muons that have been blocked by the structure. Past evidence of this technique, used in some pyramids in South America, shows promising results. The new technology will initially be implemented in the Rhomboid Pyramid in Dahshur, which was built by Pharaoh Sneferu approximately 4,600 years ago. The rhomboidal shape of this pyramid includes a double slope, which still puzzles scientists to this day. Most believe that the sloping side was an afterthought in construction or a quick solution to a collapsing wall. In addition to locating potential chambers inside of this pyramid, archaeologists are interested in finding any other clues that will explain the unique shape of its structure. Once testing has been wrapped up in Dahshur, the teams will make their way to Giza and use the technology once more. However, not all historians are onboard with the idea of using technology to explore these last two pyramids. Despite the fact that this new technology could unearth hidden mysteries in the structures in Giza, some scientists argue that previous methods have already exhausted all possible chambers. Although it is true that the diverse chambers of the Pyramid of Cheops have already been verified, the new study will rule out the possibility of any additional, hidden spaces. Even if it does not lead to any new conclusions, it will prove as a testament to technology’s increasingly helpful ways of identifying the past. Based on the text, what is true about the architecture of ancient Egyptian Pyramids?

Understanding Rare Diseases: Although rare diseases are prevalent throughout the global community, they are not given enough attention by the healthcare community. Currently, there are approximately seven thousand rare diseases affecting people all over the world, and they affect nearly thirty million Americans alone. Depending on where someone lives, the definition of a rare disease changes drastically. In the United States, for example, a disease is considered rare if it affects fewer than 200,000 people. In the European Union, however, a disease is only defined as rare if it affects fewer than one in two thousand people. The differences in the mere definition of what a rare disease is can lead to difficulties in diagnoses. Diagnosing a rare disease with certainty can be problematic due to the scarcity of information available as well as a lack of consensus within the healthcare community. Rather than dismissing a patient’s concerns because of a lack of evidence, primary care physicians should be a source of support and help alleviate their patients’ worries over healthcare issues the best they can. It is imperative that general practitioners are well-versed in the area of rare diseases so that they can help affected patients find answers and support. What is the best summary of the passage?

Frequently referred to as “The Spirits of Madagascar”, the lemur belongs to the Strepsirrhini group, which contains other similarly charismatic primates, including the slow loris. Most of what is known regarding these animals dates back to the 20th century, when dozens of species were discovered and subsequently described over the course of several decades. Currently, 107 species of lemurs have been identified as originating from the African continent. However, some groups have been removed from their natural environment and shipped across the world in order to act as pets, most likely due to their lively personalities. Which of the following is true regarding lemurs?

Interior Secrets of the Pyramids History textbooks are likely to include photographs or illustrated depictions of ancient Egyptian pyramids, showcasing their grandeur and architectural wonder. Can the same be said for authentic depictions of the internal features of these pyramids though? Thanks to a new international mission exploring the various layers of famous pyramids, scientists plan to unravel these “interior design mysteries” through the use of advanced technology. They may even prove that past archaeological exploration projects have not been as extensive as was once imagined. The four pyramids involved in the study include the two pyramids of Giza (Cheops and Chfren) along with the two pyramids of Dahshur, located south of Cairo. Initially, further research devoted to these structures seemed futile, as the 4,500-year-old pyramids have already been explored by experts. However, they have never been investigated using infrared technology, which could allow scientists to discover any additional hidden chambers in the pyramids without using destructive methods. In other words, the international team of researchers will be able to look through each structure using “X-ray vision” for the first time in history! The primary technique in the project will involve directing beams of indirect cosmic rays on the pyramids themselves. When cosmic rays bombard a certain area in the atmosphere, they produce particles known as muons, which have a high ability to traverse matter. Although the properties of muons make them excellent options for “seeing” through the pyramids’ rocks, some of them would still be absorbed by the rocks themselves. To solve this problem, scientists will use tools that are able to detect any voids in the pyramids by analyzing the number of muons that have been blocked by the structure. Past evidence of this technique, used in some pyramids in South America, shows promising results. The new technology will initially be implemented in the Rhomboid Pyramid in Dahshur, which was built by Pharaoh Sneferu approximately 4,600 years ago. The rhomboidal shape of this pyramid includes a double slope, which still puzzles scientists to this day. Most believe that the sloping side was an afterthought in construction or a quick solution to a collapsing wall. In addition to locating potential chambers inside of this pyramid, archaeologists are interested in finding any other clues that will explain the unique shape of its structure. Once testing has been wrapped up in Dahshur, the teams will make their way to Giza and use the technology once more. However, not all historians are onboard with the idea of using technology to explore these last two pyramids. Despite the fact that this new technology could unearth hidden mysteries in the structures in Giza, some scientists argue that previous methods have already exhausted all possible chambers. Although it is true that the diverse chambers of the Pyramid of Cheops have already been verified, the new study will rule out the possibility of any additional, hidden spaces. Even if it does not lead to any new conclusions, it will prove as a testament to technology’s increasingly helpful ways of identifying the past. Which of the following supports the idea that the structure in the Rhomboid Pyramid in Dahshur is more complex than most?

Interior Secrets of the Pyramids History textbooks are likely to include photographs or illustrated depictions of ancient Egyptian pyramids, showcasing their grandeur and architectural wonder. Can the same be said for authentic depictions of the internal features of these pyramids though? Thanks to a new international mission exploring the various layers of famous pyramids, scientists plan to unravel these “interior design mysteries” through the use of advanced technology. They may even prove that past archaeological exploration projects have not been as extensive as was once imagined. The four pyramids involved in the study include the two pyramids of Giza (Cheops and Chfren) along with the two pyramids of Dahshur, located south of Cairo. Initially, further research devoted to these structures seemed futile, as the 4,500-year-old pyramids have already been explored by experts. However, they have never been investigated using infrared technology, which could allow scientists to discover any additional hidden chambers in the pyramids without using destructive methods. In other words, the international team of researchers will be able to look through each structure using “X-ray vision” for the first time in history! The primary technique in the project will involve directing beams of indirect cosmic rays on the pyramids themselves. When cosmic rays bombard a certain area in the atmosphere, they produce particles known as muons, which have a high ability to traverse matter. Although the properties of muons make them excellent options for “seeing” through the pyramids’ rocks, some of them would still be absorbed by the rocks themselves. To solve this problem, scientists will use tools that are able to detect any voids in the pyramids by analyzing the number of muons that have been blocked by the structure. Past evidence of this technique, used in some pyramids in South America, shows promising results. The new technology will initially be implemented in the Rhomboid Pyramid in Dahshur, which was built by Pharaoh Sneferu approximately 4,600 years ago. The rhomboidal shape of this pyramid includes a double slope, which still puzzles scientists to this day. Most believe that the sloping side was an afterthought in construction or a quick solution to a collapsing wall. In addition to locating potential chambers inside of this pyramid, archaeologists are interested in finding any other clues that will explain the unique shape of its structure. Once testing has been wrapped up in Dahshur, the teams will make their way to Giza and use the technology once more. However, not all historians are onboard with the idea of using technology to explore these last two pyramids. Despite the fact that this new technology could unearth hidden mysteries in the structures in Giza, some scientists argue that previous methods have already exhausted all possible chambers. Although it is true that the diverse chambers of the Pyramid of Cheops have already been verified, the new study will rule out the possibility of any additional, hidden spaces. Even if it does not lead to any new conclusions, it will prove as a testament to technology’s increasingly helpful ways of identifying the past. Which of the following supports the idea that not all scientists agree on the novelty of this study?

At the end of the program, participants from both the control and experimental groups answered questions regarding their satisfaction with the program and their overall happiness levels. Moreover, they also provided information on their health and current employment situations. In addition to reporting “excellent” or “good” health, over half of the beneficiaries in the control group had a greater confidence in the government and its future situation. Despite the emotional satisfaction, however, their unemployment levels had stayed the same throughout the twenty-four month experiment. In short, participants were happier, but not busier with outside employment commitments, nor were they any closer to sustaining themselves without government assistance. Which word would best replace the word “beneficiaries” as it is used in the paragraph?

When Dinosaurs Coughed: Centuries of research and fossil evidence have allowed us to visualize various aspects of dinosaurs, ranging from how they looked to how they acted. Thanks to a recent study that analyzed fossil remains discovered in Montana, it is possible that dinosaurs may have even caught and dealt with the annoying symptoms of the common cold, just like humans do! During an excavation, paleontologists uncovered the remains of a diplodocid, a large herbivore with a long neck. Due to its size, this type of dinosaur breathed in air through sacs in its neck, which were directly connected to its respiratory system. The fossil remains of the dinosaur indicated that a pathogen had infected its lungs and respiratory system. Although researchers have not yet pinpointed the exact source of the infection, one hypothesis posits that it is the Aspergillus fungus, which infects reptiles and birds to this day. No matter the origin, the study shows that the illness caused symptoms similar to a cough and increased body temperature, which are indicative of the common cold. What is the best summary of the passage?

Although lemurs are among the most requested exotic pets around the world, they are also subject to illegal trading, particularly by parties who make a profit from selling these animals as food. However, not only those who partake in exclusive fine dining are seen as responsible for endangering the species. Due to recent economic crises around the world, particularly in Africa, even local communities are being forced to get food any way they can. In this case, inhabitants have resorted to hunting lemurs that were once considered sacred to them, in that they behave similarly to humans. Some experts believe that the future of other endangered animals could also be exacerbated by global economic crises. Which is NOT discussed as a fact about lemurs?

Neuroscience in the Classroom When it comes to early childhood education, could principles of neuroscience and experimental studies help educators teach more effectively? This is a popular question studied by leading international psychologists and research analysts focusing on educational psychology. However, the answer to this question requires advanced technological research tools, detailed scientific analyses, and, above all, time and patience to understand the results. Over the past ten years, innovative research centers have helped scientists understand how neural mechanisms impact children’s learning behavior. In other words, the study of neuroscience is opening new doors for analyzing how children learn basic functions. Neuroimaging, for example, is just one of the ways that scientists have been able to link visual capabilities with how well children comprehend letters of the alphabet. Although various concepts in early childhood education, such as observation and communication, are already understood within the scientific community and applied in the classroom setting, neuroscience allows psychologists to create completely new theories regarding childhood development. Currently, it is estimated that the discipline has allowed for the discovery of four pillars of learning: attentiveness, active output, feedback, and motor skills. The first learning pillar, i.e., attentiveness, is described as a child’s ability to digest both general and detailed concepts. That is, it helps children understand the “big picture” of a subject and focus in on the details when necessary. The second pillar, i.e., active output, seeks to quantify the verbal and written productivity of a student based on information received in the classroom. The third pillar, i.e., feedback, involves a child’s ability to self-assess and provide regular checks when understanding the material that has been learned. This pillar is noteworthy since it calls for both the feedback of the individual and that of the educator. Last but not the least, motor skills are acquired through daily repetition of what has been learned. Thanks to natural sleep cycles, this information is consolidated and stored in the brain for future access. An important part of these pillars is the concept of automatization, which occurs when a skill has been practiced so much that it becomes second nature and requires little to no conscious effort. However, according to leading experts at the Sorbonne University in Paris, a number of systematic errors can still present themselves with automatization. For instance, studies have shown that younger students seem to make simple mistakes in logic and reasoning problems in classroom settings, even though these tasks involve automatization. Researchers believe that training the brain through neuroscience practices can eliminate the occurrence of these mistakes while strengthening automatization. The abundance of research pertaining to neuroscience in the classroom as well as the increasingly vast possibilities of new theories have led to the development of a new field: neuroeducation. However, as with any new discipline, it will need to overcome hurdles within the scientific community. Although projects and collaborations between scientists and educators around the world are growing, gaining acceptance within the educational sphere will likely require more stable results to establish credibility. What can be inferred from the information found in the passage?

Nuclear waste remains toxic for over 300,000 years. The Waste Isolation Pilot Project (WIPP) is 2,000 feet under New Mexico desert bedrock. Its tunnels are to contain the military’s most dangerous nuclear waste. When the site is full, the caverns will be collapsed and sealed with soil and concrete. 25-foot granite columns will designate boundaries around four square miles. The perimeter will contain a wall of earth. In addition to global archives, layer upon layer of rooms will hold information about the dangers contained, instructing that no one disturbs WIPP contents for at least 10,000 years. But in the distant future, current languages are likely to become obsolete. Alternative energies are desperately needed to eliminate the need for wastes that impact people and the environment for millennia. Why does the author include the detail “current languages are likely to become obsolete” in the paragraph?

The beginnings of human civilization and shift towards sedentary life accompanied the advent of agriculture, which most people would agree is one of the cornerstones of civilization. One theory for why agriculture arose is that climate cooling from 10,900 BC to 9,700 BC caused a food shortage. This might have forced humans to start growing food in order to have enough. The radiocarbon ages of ancient plant remnants were believed to support this hypothesis. But scientists recently reassessed them and are starting to think that the climatic cooling lessened sedentary life instead of triggering it. The Ritsumeikan University’s research team under Takeshi Nakagawa explored in-depth climate models of 16,000 BC to 8,000 BC. Using plant fossils and sediment radiocarbon dating, they discovered that agriculture and settlements likely began during warmer, more stable periods in the climate. Which supporting detail is an example of the author’s opinion, rather than a fact?

A new study at the University of Colorado Boulder is investigating fish fins. Study author Francois Barthelat and his team are searching for what makes fish fins so flexible and strong. Scientists are curious about how fins can move with such precision and sophistication. Fins do not contain any muscles, so fish move by twitching muscles at the base of their fins. To study their mechanics, Barthelat’s group developed computer simulations and 3D-printed models. The base muscles individually maneuver 20-30 stiff stem-like rays in each fin. All the rays in a fin have layers of collagen and harder material, segmented to move like fingers. The fins’ makeup gives them a balance of elasticity with enough stiffness to push water. Their engineering insights have implications for technological innovations like airplane wings and robotic surgical tools. Which of the following conclusions can be drawn about fish fins?

In 2017, astronomers located white dwarf LP 40-365 2,000 light-years from Earth. When small stars collapse, they shed their outer layers into ring-like nebulae, leaving behind the dense, hot core. This peculiar white dwarf was traveling nearly 2 million miles per hour against the Milky Way’s rotation. LP 40-365 is gradually escaping the Milky Way’s gravitational pull to eventually escape out into intergalactic space. The mysterious white dwarf contained carbon, oxygen, magnesium, and neon. Magnesium and neon appear as a result of intense energy levels from supernovas—star explosions. For this reason, Boston University researchers further investigated the star to figure out what sent it on its rogue path. When a white dwarf in a binary (paired) star system consumes its mate, it can destabilize and violently erupt into a supernova. What is the author’s purpose for writing this paragraph?

Everyone should have someone to talk to, but levels of loneliness have not stopped rising in the last few years. An NYU study highlights the importance of supportive social interactions. Having someone around to listen most, if not all, of the time improves the brain’s resistance to mental decline. Even during brain aging and disease-related changes like those from Alzheimer’s, being able to talk to a good listener helps maintain brain function. This ties into neurologists’ understanding that undergoing mentally stimulating activities, including physical exercise, enhances cognitive resilience. The study’s findings on listener availability, social support, and cognitive age were rather dramatic. People in their 40s and 50s who had lower access to someone who listens appeared four years older in cognitive age for every unit of brain volume decline. It is important for brain health that middle-aged and elderly individuals have a reliable support system to confide in. Which supporting detail is an example of opinion, rather than fact?

The study ran for a twenty-four month period from 2017 to 2018 and involved two distinct groups of unemployed participants aged between twenty-five and fifty-eight years old. The control group received the country’s standard unemployment benefit with restrictions on how they could spend the money, in that they could only use it to benefit housing, food, health care, or integration within the community. The other group, however, received a monthly minimum income of roughly €550, which would pay for nearly half of a month’s rent in Helsinki, the country’s capital city. An important facet of the study involved the fact that the monthly stipend was administered even if the participants were not actively looking for employment. Which of the following is a synonym for the word “stipend” as it is used in the paragraph?

There are between 20,000 and 25,000 polar bears in the arctic of Norway, Denmark, Russia, Canada, and the U.S. Observing polar bears in the wild has decoded some of the largest land predators’ communications. Polar bears move their heads from side to side to signal that they want to play together. Sometimes, the head movement accompanies standing on the hind legs. Pinned ears with a bowed head and a growl or chuffing sound means a polar bear is preparing to attack. When one bear wants to request food from another, they slowly walk towards the food, circle it, and touch noses with each other. They sleep seven to eight hours per day and take intermittent naps. To keep warm, they dig holes in the snow and curl up inside with their backs to the wind. What is the author’s purpose for writing this paragraph?

Neuroscience in the Classroom When it comes to early childhood education, could principles of neuroscience and experimental studies help educators teach more effectively? This is a popular question studied by leading international psychologists and research analysts focusing on educational psychology. However, the answer to this question requires advanced technological research tools, detailed scientific analyses, and, above all, time and patience to understand the results. Over the past ten years, innovative research centers have helped scientists understand how neural mechanisms impact children’s learning behavior. In other words, the study of neuroscience is opening new doors for analyzing how children learn basic functions. Neuroimaging, for example, is just one of the ways that scientists have been able to link visual capabilities with how well children comprehend letters of the alphabet. Although various concepts in early childhood education, such as observation and communication, are already understood within the scientific community and applied in the classroom setting, neuroscience allows psychologists to create completely new theories regarding childhood development. Currently, it is estimated that the discipline has allowed for the discovery of four pillars of learning: attentiveness, active output, feedback, and motor skills. The first learning pillar, i.e., attentiveness, is described as a child’s ability to digest both general and detailed concepts. That is, it helps children understand the “big picture” of a subject and focus in on the details when necessary. The second pillar, i.e., active output, seeks to quantify the verbal and written productivity of a student based on information received in the classroom. The third pillar, i.e., feedback, involves a child’s ability to self-assess and provide regular checks when understanding the material that has been learned. This pillar is noteworthy since it calls for both the feedback of the individual and that of the educator. Last but not the least, motor skills are acquired through daily repetition of what has been learned. Thanks to natural sleep cycles, this information is consolidated and stored in the brain for future access. An important part of these pillars is the concept of automatization, which occurs when a skill has been practiced so much that it becomes second nature and requires little to no conscious effort. However, according to leading experts at the Sorbonne University in Paris, a number of systematic errors can still present themselves with automatization. For instance, studies have shown that younger students seem to make simple mistakes in logic and reasoning problems in classroom settings, even though these tasks involve automatization. Researchers believe that training the brain through neuroscience practices can eliminate the occurrence of these mistakes while strengthening automatization. The abundance of research pertaining to neuroscience in the classroom as well as the increasingly vast possibilities of new theories have led to the development of a new field: neuroeducation. However, as with any new discipline, it will need to overcome hurdles within the scientific community. Although projects and collaborations between scientists and educators around the world are growing, gaining acceptance within the educational sphere will likely require more stable results to establish credibility. Which of the following ideas can be inferred from the text?

Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are central in helping the body control inflammation and autoimmunity. Scientists have been attempting to create stable induced Tregs (iTregs) to treat autoimmune diseases and transplanted organ rejection. Dr. Xiaojing Yue, La Jolla Institute for Immunology researcher, explains how the study he authored found that “vitamin C can be used to stabilize iTregs generated in vitro.” These findings reinforce the evidence that vitamin C enhances TET proteins’ enzymatic activity in generating stable iTregs in the lab. Before developing autoimmune therapies, scientists analyzed epigenetic features of iTregs. TET proteins and vitamin C both help fortify iTregs with gene expression that mirrors the body’s natural Tregs. The work of Dr. Yue’s team may revolutionize treatments for autoimmune diseases and improve organ transplant outcomes. Which of the following best describes the author’s point of view about Dr. Yue’s findings?

Chronic kidney disease affects 850 million people and causes 1 in every 60 deaths globally. In 2018, total Medicare spending for kidney failure patients reached $36.6 billion. Diabetes, high blood pressure, and a substantial heritable factor contribute to developing chronic kidney disease. UPenn’s Perelman School of Medicine researchers conducted one of the most comprehensive studies of the human genome in search of genetic variations associated with kidney disease. The scientists found 182 genes that influence kidney function and 88 genes related to hypertension. Drugs already exist to target many of the 182 probable kidney function genes. The team also mapped cell types and mechanisms that play a role in chronic kidney disease. The gene mapping and cell typing provide major milestone insights into mechanisms behind treating kidney failure using ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) inhibitors and ARBs (angiotensin receptor blockers). Which of the following statements best describes the point of view of the author?

Sexual dimorphism is the tendency for two sexes within the same species to exhibit distinct characteristics unrelated to reproduction. This can be observed in most animals and also some plants. In nature, sexual dimorphism is nearly universal, but it is strange how the sexes’ shared genomes within a species lead to divergent evolution between males and females. A recent study linked the evolution of separate characteristics in males and females to a Y chromosome (male) genetic variance. Researchers examined the evolution of body size dimorphism in male and female seed beetles over 10 generations. They discovered that isolating the Y chromosome-linked genetic variance could change the seed beetles’ dimorphism by 30%. Which of the following statements would the author most likely agree with?

Neuroscience in the Classroom When it comes to early childhood education, could principles of neuroscience and experimental studies help educators teach more effectively? This is a popular question studied by leading international psychologists and research analysts focusing on educational psychology. However, the answer to this question requires advanced technological research tools, detailed scientific analyses, and, above all, time and patience to understand the results. Over the past ten years, innovative research centers have helped scientists understand how neural mechanisms impact children’s learning behavior. In other words, the study of neuroscience is opening new doors for analyzing how children learn basic functions. Neuroimaging, for example, is just one of the ways that scientists have been able to link visual capabilities with how well children comprehend letters of the alphabet. Although various concepts in early childhood education, such as observation and communication, are already understood within the scientific community and applied in the classroom setting, neuroscience allows psychologists to create completely new theories regarding childhood development. Currently, it is estimated that the discipline has allowed for the discovery of four pillars of learning: attentiveness, active output, feedback, and motor skills. The first learning pillar, i.e., attentiveness, is described as a child’s ability to digest both general and detailed concepts. That is, it helps children understand the “big picture” of a subject and focus in on the details when necessary. The second pillar, i.e., active output, seeks to quantify the verbal and written productivity of a student based on information received in the classroom. The third pillar, i.e., feedback, involves a child’s ability to self-assess and provide regular checks when understanding the material that has been learned. This pillar is noteworthy since it calls for both the feedback of the individual and that of the educator. Last but not the least, motor skills are acquired through daily repetition of what has been learned. Thanks to natural sleep cycles, this information is consolidated and stored in the brain for future access. An important part of these pillars is the concept of automatization, which occurs when a skill has been practiced so much that it becomes second nature and requires little to no conscious effort. However, according to leading experts at the Sorbonne University in Paris, a number of systematic errors can still present themselves with automatization. For instance, studies have shown that younger students seem to make simple mistakes in logic and reasoning problems in classroom settings, even though these tasks involve automatization. Researchers believe that training the brain through neuroscience practices can eliminate the occurrence of these mistakes while strengthening automatization. The abundance of research pertaining to neuroscience in the classroom as well as the increasingly vast possibilities of new theories have led to the development of a new field: neuroeducation. However, as with any new discipline, it will need to overcome hurdles within the scientific community. Although projects and collaborations between scientists and educators around the world are growing, gaining acceptance within the educational sphere will likely require more stable results to establish credibility. Which of the following inferences can be made from the passage?

Ohio State scientists have found viruses almost 15,000 years old within ice samples from China’s Tibetan Plateau. These old viruses are unlike any other known viruses and only survived by being frozen for thousands of years. The journal Microbiome published the findings that may show how viruses evolve over centuries. This research required scientists to develop new techniques for analyzing viruses and microbes in ice without contaminating them. The study’s lead author, Zhi-Ping Zhong says that their goal is to use the viruses to learn about the past environments of what are now glaciers in western China. High-altitude ice cores have layers from year after year of ice accumulation, creating a frozen timeline. Gases, microbes, viruses, and climate change clues are all captured in the ice samples. Based on information in the passage, which of the following can be inferred regarding the advantages of studying viruses and microbes in ice?

Everybody loves music, even our brains. When people listen to music, their brains continually try to anticipate the upcoming moments in the music. Unexpected events like changes in repetitive patterns, sudden loud sounds, or dissonant notes create brain activity spikes. The Journal Neuroscience recently published two studies about music and the brain. Researchers tracked musicians’ brains while they listened to Bach piano pieces, then imagined them in silence. Imagining the tune in their heads resulted in the opposite electrical polarity in the musicians’ brain activity compared to listening. The brain activity that occurred while musicians let the song play in their heads was the same as brain activity during silent moments in music—when the listener expects to hear notes but hears silence instead. So, when people imagine a melody, their brains behave as if continuously trying to predict the next note. Which supporting detail is an example of opinion, rather than fact?