PSAT Reading Question 650: Answer and Explanation

Question: 650

Based on the passages and the chart, what will be the most likely consequence of tourism with respect to invasive plants in the Galapagos in the future?

• A. Due to an increase in humanity's awareness of the Galapagos, it is more likely that a desire for environmental stewardship of the islands will grow.
• B. Due to an increase in economic activity as a result of tourism, the inhabitants of the Galapagos will have more money with which to combat unwanted plant species.
• C. Due to an increase in human contact, it is likely that the number of nonnative organisms introduced by accident will increase.
• D. Due to an increase in hotel construction as a consequence of tourism, intentional cultivation of invasive species will grow.

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:

(C) Lines 11–13 of Passage 1 indicate that some nonnative plants are introduced to new environments through accidental human contact. With an increase in human visitation, the Galapagos Islands will likely experience more accidental introduction of plants. Choice (A) is incorrect because the information does not suggest that an increase in human interaction leads to an overall improvement in conservation efforts. Although Passage 1 mentions using funding to fight the negative consequences of invasive plants, information is not provided to support the notion that an increase in tourism will result in enough money to outweigh the negative consequences of increased human activity. Therefore, choice (B) is incorrect. Choice (D) is not right because the information does not support the notion that humans will consistently seek to introduce invasive species purposefully into new environments.