PSAT Reading Question 283: Answer and Explanation

Question: 283

According to the passage, conservation efforts should take local conditions into account because populations of herbivorous fish

• A. are affected by competing species.
• B. are influenced by their habitats.
• C. are not influenced by water temperature.
• D. do not protect other important species.

Correct Answer: B

Explanation:

B

This question asks why conservation efforts should take local conditions into account, based on evidence about populations of herbivorous fish. This is the first question in a paired set, but it is easy to find, so it can be done on its own. Since there is no line reference, use lead words and the order of the questions to find the window. Q18 and Q19 ask about the first paragraph, so the window for Q20 most likely comes after the first paragraph. Beginning with the second paragraph, scan the passage looking for the lead words local conditions, which appear in line 29. Earlier in that paragraph, the authors state, we found that populations of herbivorous fish vary widely from site to site, and are strongly influenced by factors including temperature and island type. Thus, local conditions are important because they can determine the populations of herbivorous fish. Eliminate answers that don't match the prediction. Choice (A) is a Could Be True trap answer, but no competing species are mentioned in this paragraph, so eliminate (A). Choice (B) is well supported by the prediction, so keep it. Choice (C) is a Right Words, Wrong Meaning trap answer. Though the authors mention herbivorous fish in this window, the text directly contradicts (C), as it indicates that herbivorous fish are strongly influenced by factors including temperature. Eliminate (C). No other important species are mentioned in this paragraph, so eliminate (D). The correct answer is (B).