3. The word “terrestrial” in paragraph 1 is closest in meaning to A . land B . protected C . alternative D . similar
4. Which of the sentences below best expresses the essential information in the highlighted sentence in paragraph 2? Incorrect choices change the meaning in important ways or leave out essential information . A . When snail or clam shells are left behind, they must be empty in order to remain durable and resist dissolution . B . Although snail and clam shells are durable and resist dissolving, over time they slowly begin to change . C . Although the soft parts of snails or clams dissolve quickly, their hard shells resist dissolution for a long time . D . 9D) Empty snail or clam shells that are strong enough not to dissolve may stay in their original state for a long time .
5 . Why does the author mention “aragonite” in paragraph 2? A .
To emphasize that some fossils remain unaltered for millions of years
B . To contrast fossil formation in organisms with soft tissue and in organisms with hard shells C . To explain that some marine organisms must undergo chemical changes in order to fossilize D . To explain why fossil shells are more likely to survive than are fossil skeletons
6. The word “enhance” in paragraph 3 is closest in meaning to A . control B . limit C . combine D . increase
7. Which of the following best explains the process of permineralization mentioned in paragraph 3? A . Water containing calcium carbonate circulates through a shell and deposits sediment. B . Liquid containing chemicals hardens an already existing fossil structure. C . Water passes through sediment surrounding a fossil and removes its chemical content. D . A chemical substance enters a fossil and changes its shape.
8. The word “precise” in paragraph 4 is closest in meaning to A . complex B . quick C . exact D . reliable
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