The introduction of invasive species to new environments can have devastating effects on local ecosystems. Ecologist Maria Gonzalez notes that these species often ______ native populations, leading to significant changes in habitat dynamics.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?

During a renovation project of a medieval castle, archaeologists at the Historical Preservation Society are analyzing the ______ of ancient construction techniques on the castle's durability. Their goal is to explore whether the methods used in the past contribute to the longevity of the structure compared to modern building practices.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?

For environmentalist Rachel Carson, being ______ was crucial to her advocacy work. With her keen observation of ecological interactions and the effects of pesticides, Carson’s writing in Silent Spring sparked a groundbreaking environmental movement by highlighting the consequences of human actions on nature.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?

Social psychologist Stanley Milgram conducted controversial experiments in the 1960s that aimed to ______ the influence of authority on obedience. His findings revealed that people are surprisingly likely to follow orders that conflict with their personal conscience when directed by an authority figure.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?

Amelia Earhart was a pioneering aviator and a significant figure in the United States during the early 20th century. However, her influence was not merely ______ America: she became an international symbol of courage and determination, inspiring a generation of female pilots around the world to break through the barriers of a male-dominated field.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?

The human body is composed of various types of cells, each with its specific function. For example, neurons are specialized cells that ______ electrical impulses, playing a crucial role in transmitting information throughout the nervous system.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?

The following text is adapted from The Shadows of the Canvas by Tessa Silverman. In the novel, the protagonist, Arlo, is deeply engrossed in the process of crafting his piece of art. 

With each brushstroke and added detail, the work gathered more intricacy, transforming its initially ambiguous and ethereal form into one of sharper elegance and intrigue. As time passed, the primary motif of the artwork became increasingly discernible, even to the average viewer.

As used in the text, what does the word “gathered” most nearly mean?

The following text is adapted from Mountain's Echo, a 1924 memoir by Margaret Turner. Turner narrates her experiences growing up in a small mountain town.

In my quaint mountain town, life had a rhythm as steady as the heartbeat of the earth. Everyone knew everyone else, and there was a comforting predictability to our days. Yet each house, like the people within, held its own unique stories and secrets. When evening fell, I would stroll along the winding lanes, gazing at the houses silhouetted against the setting sun, each a symbol of a life distinct and intertwined with others.

Which choice best describes the function of the underlined sentence in the text as a whole?

Industrial designer Gavin Matheson advocates for a holistic approach to design that incorporates not only aesthetics but also sustainability. His latest creation, a line of eco-friendly furniture crafted from recycled materials, echoes his design philosophy. Since its launch, the line has seen success not only for its chic design but also for its positive environmental impact. Consumers commend Gavin's commitment to sustainability.

Which choice best states the main idea of the text?

In the Heart of the City is a novel by Mark Reynolds. Maria, a small-town girl, moves to New York City for her job but constantly worries about her aging parents back home: ______

Which quotation from the book most effectively illustrates the claim?

The United States has seen a significant increase in solar energy production over the past decade, with some states leading the way due to their favorable climates and policies. In 2019, the U.S. Energy Information Administration reported on solar energy production across various states. According to the 2019 data, California produced 27,900 Gigawatt-hours of solar energy, and ______

Which choice most effectively uses data from the graph to complete the text?

An Unforeseen Tomorrow is an 1889 novel by Frederick Lancaster. Edward, a man burdened by his past actions, consistently wrestles with the guilt and consequences of a singular past decision that drastically changed his life. His regret becomes unmistakable when he admits to another character, ______

Which quotation from An Unforeseen Tomorrow most effectively illustrates the claim?

"Whispers of the City is a short story from the early 20th century by Anika Jai. In the story, Mr.Bakshi, an Indian immigrant residing in New York City, is on a business trip in Chicago. During his phone call with his wife, he shares updates and observations of the cultural differences he encounters: ______

Which quotation from Mr.Bakshi's phone call best illustrates the claim?

The ancient Minoan civilization thrived around 2600 BCE on the island of Crete, surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea. The temperate climate, rich soil, and ample rainfall created ideal conditions for agriculture, allowing the Minoans to grow a variety of crops throughout the year. Their advanced farming techniques and maritime trade resulted in surplus food production. Consequently, the Minoans ______

Which choice most logically completes the text?

In a study of the social behaviors of meerkats (Suricata suricatta), researchers failed to account for the relative familiarity of the individuals within social groups. The social behaviors of meerkats interacting within familiar groups were judged by the same standards as those of meerkats introduced into unfamiliar groups. The results of the study, therefore, ______

Which choice most logically completes the text?

Environmental advocate Lisa Park from the University of British Columbia emphasizes the importance of community involvement in local conservation efforts. She argues that when residents understand the direct benefits of maintaining local parks and natural reserves, ______ often volunteer more frequently for clean-up activities.

Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?

At a cursory glance, the architecture of Antoni Gaudi might seem like whimsical creations inspired by nature. When studied, however, these buildings show themselves as ______ structural innovations ingeniously integrated with aesthetic appeal.

Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?

Amidst heated debates on climate change, a recent publication by environmental scientists ______ the potential for urban green spaces to lower city temperatures. Their research indicates that strategically placed vegetation can significantly contribute to mitigating the urban heat island effect.

Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?

French oceanographer Jacques Cousteau pioneered marine conservation and brought the underwater world to the public eye with his groundbreaking work. Nonetheless, ______ achievements in developing the Aqua-Lung would not have been possible without the engineering expertise of Emile Gagnan.

Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?

The Global Seed Vault in Svalbard, Norway, is a critical project for biodiversity conservation that has garnered international attention. Its vast seed storage facilities ______ thousands of plant species for future generations, serving as a global backup for agricultural diversity.

Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?

The widespread use of the steam engine during the Industrial Revolution marked a transformative period in manufacturing, allowing for greater productivity and innovation. This was not the only landmark development in the domain of ______ the harnessing of electricity in the late 19th century propelled technological progress.

Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?

The photographs taken by Ansel Adams capture the grandeur of American wilderness. By developing a unique approach to exposure and post-processing techniques, Adams altered the presentation of a traditional landscape photograph, enhancing its depth of field and dynamic range, making ______ truly extraordinary.

Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?

Serbian-American inventor Nikola Tesla, whose work has had a lasting impact on modern technology, harnessed the principles of electromagnetic induction ______ alternating current power systems, thereby transforming the world of electric power.

Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?

Most flowering plants produce brightly colored blooms to attract pollinators. However, some plants produce a strong odor instead. The Rafflesia, ______ is a plant that emits a decaying flesh smell to lure insects.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?

Many scholars assert that the prevalence of social media has led to shorter attention spans and a decline in meaningful communication. ______ others contend that it has created unprecedented opportunities for global connectivity and understanding.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?

Cosmic microwave background radiation (CMB. is the thermal radiation left over from the Big Bang, which provides a snapshot of the universe just 380,000 years after its birth, when atoms first formed and the universe became transparent. ______ measuring the CMB has provided cosmologists with a wealth of information about the early universe and the Big Bang.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?

While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes:

The Fennec Fox is the smallest fox species, known for its large ears.

Zoologist Carla Mendez conducted a study on the function of these large ears.

She used thermal cameras to observe the heat dissipation from the Fennec Fox's ears.

The study found that these large ears help the fox dissipate heat and regulate body temperature.

Mendez concluded that these large ears are a crucial adaptive feature for the fox's survival in desert environments.

The student wants to present the study and its methodology. Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish this goal?