Take this Quiz: Ideas 1 — evidence, data and what follows | Zestly

Question 1

The following passage is adapted from a study on urban ecology: Urban planners often prioritize green spaces for their aesthetic value, yet the ecological benefits are frequently overlooked. Research in mid-sized cities indicates that native plant species in small, fragmented parks provide essential habitats for local pollinators, which are otherwise displaced by invasive ornamental flora. While these parks are small, their cumulative impact on biodiversity is significant. Which choice best summarizes the main idea of this passage?

Accepted Answer

Small urban parks featuring native plants play a vital role in supporting local pollinator populations.

Answer

Urban planners should prioritize the aesthetic design of parks to ensure they are attractive to city residents.

Answer

Invasive ornamental plants are generally more effective at attracting pollinators than native species are.

Answer

Large parks are the only effective way to maintain biodiversity in rapidly growing mid-sized cities.

Question 2

A historian claims that the rapid expansion of trade routes in the 15th century was primarily driven by the search for luxury goods rather than territorial conquest. Which finding, if true, would most strongly support the historian's claim?

Accepted Answer

Ship manifests from the period show that the vast majority of cargo consisted of spices, silks, and precious metals.

Answer

Many 15th-century explorers were commissioned by monarchs who sought to expand their sovereign borders.

Answer

Military records from the era indicate that naval expeditions were frequently accompanied by large infantry units.

Answer

Diplomatic correspondence reveals that trade agreements were often used as a pretext for establishing permanent military outposts.

Question 3

A table displays the average annual growth rate of four different tree species in a controlled forest plot over ten years. Species A grew at 2.1 cm/year, Species B at 1.8 cm/year, Species C at 1.5 cm/year, and Species D at 0.9 cm/year. A researcher claims that Species A and B are significantly better adapted to the local soil conditions than Species C and D. Which choice most effectively uses the data to support this claim?

Accepted Answer

The average growth rate of Species A and B combined is 1.95 cm/year, which is substantially higher than the 1.2 cm/year average of Species C and D.

Answer

Species A grew at 2.1 cm/year, which is higher than the growth rate of Species D.

Answer

Species B grew at 1.8 cm/year, while Species C grew at 1.5 cm/year.

Answer

Species D had the lowest growth rate at 0.9 cm/year, suggesting it is the least adapted species.

Question 4

The evolution of complex language in early humans is often attributed to the need for cooperative hunting. However, some linguists argue that social bonding was the primary driver. If the social bonding hypothesis is correct, then the development of language would likely have coincided with:

Answer

The invention of sophisticated hunting tools.

Answer

The migration of human populations to colder climates.

Answer

A decrease in the size of early human social groups.

Answer

An increase in the complexity of social interactions and group maintenance activities.

Question 5

The following passage is about the history of the printing press: While the printing press is often credited with the sudden spread of literacy in Europe, the process was actually gradual. Early printed books were expensive and primarily targeted at the clergy and the wealthy elite. It was not until the development of more efficient paper production methods in the 17th century that books became affordable for the middle class. Which statement about the printing press does the writer support?

Answer

The printing press immediately made books accessible to all social classes.

Answer

The widespread availability of books was delayed by the high cost of production in the early years.

Answer

The clergy were the primary inventors of the printing press technology.

Answer

Paper production methods remained unchanged throughout the 17th century.

Question 6

A biologist hypothesizes that the migration patterns of arctic birds are primarily influenced by temperature fluctuations. Which finding, if true, would most strongly weaken this hypothesis?

Answer

Birds continue to migrate at the same time each year regardless of unusually warm or cold spring temperatures.

Answer

The migration routes of these birds have shifted significantly over the last decade.

Answer

Arctic birds are known to feed on a variety of insects that are sensitive to temperature.

Answer

Some species of arctic birds have been observed staying in their breeding grounds during mild winters.

Question 7

A study tracked the daily water consumption (in liters) of four different office plants over a week. Plant 1 used 0.5 liters, Plant 2 used 0.8 liters, Plant 3 used 0.4 liters, and Plant 4 used 0.9 liters. A researcher claims that plants with larger leaf surface areas require more water. If Plant 2 and Plant 4 have the largest leaves, which choice most effectively uses the data to support the researcher's claim?

Answer

Plant 1 used 0.5 liters, which is more than Plant 3.

Answer

Plant 2 and Plant 4, which have the largest leaves, consumed the highest amounts of water at 0.8 and 0.9 liters, respectively.

Answer

Plant 3 used the least amount of water, which is 0.4 liters.

Answer

The average water consumption of all four plants is 0.65 liters.