Take this Quiz: ACT Reading — natural science, and how sure the writer actually is | Zestly

Question 1

"The subterranean fungus Mycelium vorax thrives in the deep limestone caverns of Callis Ridge. This organism secretes a specialized enzyme that breaks down solid calcium carbonate into a nutrient-rich liquid. By consuming these minerals, the fungus expands its network through the porous rock. Researchers have observed that it prefers places of high humidity and very little light. The breakdown of minerals is essential to its survival in zones this poor in nutrients." As the writer uses it, what does the word "subterranean" mean?

Accepted Answer

Lying beneath the surface of the ground.

Answer

Containing a great deal of moisture.

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Holding very few nutrients.

Answer

Made of limestone.

Question 2

"The subterranean fungus Mycelium vorax thrives in the deep limestone caverns of Callis Ridge. This organism secretes a specialized enzyme that breaks down solid calcium carbonate into a nutrient-rich liquid. By consuming these minerals, the fungus expands its network through the porous rock. Researchers have observed that it prefers places of high humidity and very little light. The breakdown of minerals is essential to its survival in zones this poor in nutrients." What is the writer's main idea?

Accepted Answer

Mycelium vorax lives where it does by dissolving limestone for the nutrients it holds.

Answer

Mycelium vorax needs light in order to break down calcium carbonate.

Answer

Callis Ridge is the only place where Mycelium vorax has ever been found.

Answer

Mycelium vorax threatens the stability of the caverns it grows in.

Question 3

"The subterranean fungus Mycelium vorax thrives in the deep limestone caverns of Callis Ridge. This organism secretes a specialized enzyme that breaks down solid calcium carbonate into a nutrient-rich liquid. By consuming these minerals, the fungus expands its network through the porous rock. Researchers have observed that it prefers places of high humidity and very little light. The breakdown of minerals is essential to its survival in zones this poor in nutrients." In what order does the writer describe the fungus's growth?

Accepted Answer

The enzyme is secreted, the rock is broken down, the minerals are consumed, the network spreads.

Answer

The minerals are consumed, the enzyme is secreted, the rock is broken down, the network spreads.

Answer

The network spreads, the enzyme is secreted, the rock is broken down, the minerals are consumed.

Answer

The rock is broken down, the enzyme is secreted, the network spreads, the minerals are consumed.

Question 4

"The atmospheric phenomenon known as the Azure Glow occurs when high-altitude ice crystals refract solar radiation during twilight. Dr. Nadia Kestrel, who led the study at the Zenith Observatory, suggests that the intensity of the glow depends on the concentration of suspended dust particles. While some researchers argue that temperature fluctuations are the primary driver, Kestrel maintains that dust density is the most significant factor. The glow appears to be more frequent during the winter months, when atmospheric stability is at its peak." How does the writer present the claim that dust density governs the glow's intensity?

Answer

As the position held by most workers in the field.

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As a fact the passage treats as settled.

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As a claim that competing research has disproved.

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As one researcher's proposal, which others dispute.

Question 5

"The atmospheric phenomenon known as the Azure Glow occurs when high-altitude ice crystals refract solar radiation during twilight. Dr. Nadia Kestrel, who led the study at the Zenith Observatory, suggests that the intensity of the glow depends on the concentration of suspended dust particles. While some researchers argue that temperature fluctuations are the primary driver, Kestrel maintains that dust density is the most significant factor. The glow appears to be more frequent during the winter months, when atmospheric stability is at its peak." What is the writer doing by choosing the words "appears to be" in the last sentence?

Answer

Indicating that nobody has yet been able to count the glow's appearances.

Answer

Stating the winter pattern as something firmly established.

Answer

Reporting a pattern that has been noticed without vouching for it.

Answer

Suggesting that the glow itself is an optical illusion.