PSAT Reading Question 57: Answer and Explanation

Question: 57

Based on Passages 1 and 2, which of the following is most likely a natural habitat of the "water-dwelling creatures" (line 47)?

• A. Volcanic lava domes
• B. Vacuum of space
• C. Water pipes in homes
• D. Patches of lichen

Correct Answer: D

Explanation:

D

The question asks which environment could be the natural habitat of the "water-dwelling creatures" mentioned in line 47, based on Passages 1 and 2. Use the given line reference to find the window in Passage 2. Lines 46–47 state, Tardigrades are tiny water-dwelling creatures famed for their resiliency. Therefore, the water-dwelling creatures are tardigrades, so the correct answer should give a possible natural habitat of tardigrades, based on the passages. Use lead words from the answers to find the relevant information, and eliminate answers that aren't supported. Lines 77–80 suggest that some species of tardigrades live around volcanic vents in the ocean; however, the passage doesn't say that they live in volcanic lava domes, so (A) is a Right Words, Wrong Meaning trap answer. Eliminate (A). Lines 1–3 say that scientists launched the tardigrades into space, so space is not their natural habitat. Eliminate (B). Water pipes are not mentioned in either passage, so eliminate (C). Lines 39–40 mention the tardigrades' precarious environment, which are damp pools or patches of water on moss or lichen, which support (D). The correct answer is (D).