PARCC Advanced Reading Practice Questions Story 4

Question 1

20. What happened first?

Accepted Answer

Sailors took tortoises aboard ships.

Answer

The passage (implied) describing the decline of tortoise populations would establish the chronological order of events. Historically, the first major human impact on tortoise populations in places like the Galápagos was when sailors began taking them aboard ships as a source of fresh meat for long voyages. This action initiated the chain of events leading to their decline.

Question 2

21. What happened soon after people brought animals to the islands?

Accepted Answer

The animals ate the tortoises' food and eggs.

Answer

The passage (implied) explains that the introduction of non-native animals by settlers had a devastating impact on tortoise populations. These introduced animals, such as rats, pigs, and goats, competed with tortoises for food resources and, critically, preyed upon their vulnerable eggs and young. This direct competition and predation led to a rapid decline in tortoise numbers.

Question 3

22. When did people start to do something to save the tortoises?

Accepted Answer

In the 1950s

Answer

The passage (implied) would detail the timeline of conservation efforts for tortoises. Organized efforts to save the tortoises, particularly in the Galápagos, began in the mid-20th century. The 1950s marked the start of significant scientific and conservation initiatives to protect these endangered species.

Question 4

23. What happens right after the tortoise eggs hatch?

Accepted Answer

The scientists raise the tortoises in special pens.

Answer

As part of modern tortoise conservation programs, eggs are often collected and incubated in protected environments. The passage (implied) would describe that immediately after the tortoise eggs hatch, the vulnerable hatchlings are raised in special, controlled pens by scientists. This 'head-starting' program protects them from predators and ensures they grow large enough to survive before being released into the wild.

Question 5

24. What happened last?

Accepted Answer

The number of tortoises began to grow.

Answer

This question asks for the final outcome of the conservation efforts described in the passage. The narrative (implied) would conclude with the positive result of these interventions. After scientists removed invasive species and implemented breeding programs, the number of tortoises began to grow, indicating a successful recovery effort as the last event.

Uncategorized Practice Test

Uncategorized Practice Test

PARCC Advanced Reading Practice Questions Story 4