Question

The Farallon Islands, or Devil's Teeth, as they are referred to by sailors, are a group of small islands with rocky, barren terrain and treacherous underwater currents, 48 km (30 miles) off the coast of San Francisco, California. Although the islands are small, with a combined total land area of 0.41 km² (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 rival 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 islands' natural ecosystem.

In 1881, an executive order was passed that decreed egging illegal on the Farallons. This ended private enterprises on the islands and was reinforced in 1909 when President Theodore Roosevelt created the Farallon Reservation to restrict human access and preserve the northern Islands. Protection was expanded in 1967 to include all the Farallontheir 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.

Which of the following sentences best describes the sequence of facts in the article?

Answer 1

Correct Answers:

The Farallon Islands are located off the coast of San Francisco: fur traders and egg companies once nearly decimated the islands' animal populations; all islands became protected in 1967.

Rationale :

💎 This option accurately follows the chronological sequence presented in the passage — beginning with the location of the islands, followed by the historical exploitation by fur traders and egg companies, and ending with the final protection status achieved in 1967.

💎 The first fact establishes where the islands are located (off San Francisco).

💎 The second fact summarizes the ecological harm caused by humans in the 1800s.

💎 The last fact concludes with legislative protection and rehabilitation, reflecting the sequence of historical events.

💎 The other answer choices either misstate facts, omit key events, or disrupt the timeline (such as implying swimming is illegal or incorrectly identifying Roosevelt’s order as the final protection step).

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Answer 2

Correct Answers:

Humans disrupted the ecosystem of the Farallon Islands and helped to restore it.

Rationale :

💎 The passage traces the human impact on the Farallon Islands’ ecosystem — first through exploitation (fur trading and egg harvesting) and later through efforts to protect and rehabilitate the islands.

💎 It highlights how early settlers and companies nearly destroyed animal populations, followed by government actions (laws, executive orders, and conservation measures) that restored ecological balance.

💎 The main focus is not the wildlife itself, but the transition from human destruction to preservation.

💎 The incorrect options either focus on limited details (like agriculture or specific birds) or present inaccurate claims (such as ongoing instability).

💎 The passage’s overall theme shows human interference followed by environmental protection, making this answer best summarize the main idea.

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Answer 3

Correct Answers:

A nature conservancy group

Rationale :

💎 The passage emphasizes environmental conservation and the restoration of the Farallon Islands’ natural ecosystem after human exploitation.

💎 The author focuses on how laws and preservation efforts — such as Roosevelt’s creation of the Farallon Reservation and later protections — helped rehabilitate wildlife populations.

💎 The overall tone reflects environmental awareness and appreciation for ecological protection, aligning most closely with the goals of a nature conservancy organization.

💎 There is no mention of literature, education reform, or detailed marine research focus — only protection of wildlife and habitat.

💎 Therefore, the author’s perspective best matches that of a group dedicated to preserving natural environments and preventing ecological damage.

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Answer 4

Correct Answers:

A copy of a story published by the Fish and Wildlife Service, originally written by a former refuge manager

Rationale :

💎 The article focuses on the ecological history, conservation efforts, and government protection of the Farallon Islands.

💎 The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) manages federal wildlife refuges, including the Farallon National Wildlife Refuge, established in the early 20th century.

💎 A former refuge manager’s account would provide firsthand, credible, and authoritative information about preservation efforts, species recovery, and historical legislation.

💎 The other sources (Roosevelt biography, miner diet journal, cartographer’s notes) are either unrelated to the main topic or lack direct ecological or conservation relevance.

💎 Therefore, the Fish and Wildlife Service publication best matches the informational tone, purpose, and focus on wildlife protection seen in the article.

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Answer 5

Correct Answers:

Accidentally

Rationale :

💎 The word “inadvertently” means without intention or by accident.

💎 In the passage, it is used to describe how the violence between rival egg companies during the “Egg War” accidentally drew national attention to the Farallon Islands.

💎 The companies did not intend to cause awareness or provoke lawmakers; the attention was an unplanned consequence of their conflict.

💎 The context contrasts intentional actions (violence, harvesting) with unintended outcomes (public attention and new laws).

💎 Therefore, “accidentally” accurately captures the author’s meaning in this context.

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Answer 6

Correct Answers:

The islands have sharks, choppy currents, and irregular coastline

Rationale :

💎 The author refers to the Farallon Islands’ nickname — “The Devil’s Teeth” — to describe their dangerous natural features, such as rocky terrain, treacherous underwater currents, and perilous waters.

💎 These characteristics make the islands appear menacing and hazardous, much like “teeth” rising sharply from the sea.

💎 The name reflects how sailors perceived the islands’ danger, not their history or ownership conflicts.

💎 The mention of swimmers completing a risky 30-mile journey emphasizes the dangerous conditions, supporting the nickname’s origin.

💎 Therefore, the author uses the islands’ physical features and surrounding waters as evidence to explain why they are called “The Devil’s Teeth.”

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Answer 7

Correct Answers:

Genetic variation and mutations may give mourning geckos a better chance for survival.

Rationale :

💎 The passage explains that mourning geckos reproduce asexually through parthenogenesis, meaning they can clone themselves without males.

💎 It also notes that, unlike many species that clone exactly, mourning geckos’ genes can recombine, allowing for genetic variation and mutation.

💎 This variation helps prevent uniformity and gives the species a greater ability to adapt to environmental changes — increasing survival potential.

💎 There is no evidence in the text that they are endangered or kept as pets.

💎 Therefore, the logical conclusion is that their genetic flexibility enhances their survival chances despite reproducing without males.

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Answer 8

Correct Answers:

A senior zoologist at a zoo in South America

Rationale :

💎 The passage discusses biological and reproductive details about mourning geckos — including species range, parthenogenesis, and genetic variation.

💎 A senior zoologist would have scientific expertise and firsthand experience studying reptiles and their behaviors, lending credibility and authority to the author’s information.

💎 Working in South America, where mourning geckos are part of the natural range, adds regional relevance and professional accuracy.

💎 The other credentials (librarian, photographer, newspaper editor) reflect knowledge or communication skills, but not scientific authority.

💎 Therefore, a zoologist specializing in reptiles would be the most credible source for this type of scientific content.

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Answer 9

Correct Answers:

Builders must analyze potential sites for stability, which affects the building type and zoning options.

Rationale :

💎 The passage explains that Viele’s 1865 map documented Manhattan’s original waterways, marshes, and soil conditions, which modern engineers still use to plan safe building foundations.

💎 Because of underground water and soil variations, builders must analyze sites for stability before construction — showing how his work continues to influence urban development and engineering decisions.

💎 The map’s purpose was not related to concrete mixing, flood prevention, or gardening, so the other options do not directly connect to his long-term impact.

💎 Viele’s contribution ensures safe, informed building practices in one of the most densely built cities in the world.

💎 Thus, the evidence about analyzing sites for foundation stability best supports the conclusion that his work shaped Manhattan’s development.

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Answer 10

Correct Answers:

A map of the wetlands on Manhattan Island used to observe migratory birds

Rationale :

💎 Viele’s 1865 map documented the original marshes, waterways, and natural terrain of Manhattan before urban development.

💎 A modern map of wetlands would provide environmental and geographical data that could confirm whether Viele’s original depictions of marshland and water flow patterns were accurate.

💎 Both maps focus on hydrology and terrain, making the wetland map a credible validation resource.

💎 Maps of population density, transit routes, or Civil War sites do not provide geological or environmental data, so they cannot validate Viele’s environmental survey.

💎 Therefore, a wetlands map aligns directly with the natural and hydrological features Viele charted.

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