PSAT Reading Question 644: Answer and Explanation

Question: 644

As used in line 42, "predation" most nearly means

• A. placing events earlier in a sequence.
• B. habitats suitable for species development.
• C. plants appropriate for animal consumption.
• D. preying of one animal on others.

Correct Answer: D

Explanation:

(D) A lack of natural predators best accounts for why an introduced animal species becomes invasive. If no other animals eat it, the introduced species will have few obstacles to its spread. Choice (A) draws an incorrect definition based on the word "roots." Choice (B) incorrectly labels the environments as inhospitable. Choice (C) is the opposite of what would help animals flourish since the context says "lack of natural predation."