PSAT Reading Question 286: Answer and Explanation

Question: 286

Which choice best supports the conclusion that different types of herbivorous fish perform different roles in the reef environment?

• A. Lines 40–44 ("More specifically…different")
• B. Line 45 ("All herbivorous…equal")
• C. Lines 54–58 ("For example…colonize")
• D. Lines 58–60 ("Large excavators…important")

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:

C

The question is a best evidence question that asks for evidence that supports the claim that different types of herbivorous fish perform different roles in the reef environment. Use the line references given in the answer choices to find a statement that supports this claim. The correct answer must discuss both different types of fish and different roles. Choice (A) does not mention types of fish, so eliminate it. Choice (B) states that all herbivorous fish are not equal, but this information does not specify in what way they aren't equal and does not relate to the fish's roles. Eliminate (B). Choice (C) mentions specific types of herbivorous fish (browsers, detritivores, and scrapers) and their roles, so keep (C). Choice (D) mentions only one type of fish, so eliminate it. The correct answer is (C).