1. In context, which is the best way to revise and combine sentences 1 and 2?
A. The fossils of sauropods, the long-necked giants who are known today as the largest dinosaurs, have baffled scientists for decades. Correct
B. Sauropods, long-necked giants, are known today as the largest dinosaurs whose fossils have baffled scientists for decades.
C. Scientists have been baffled for decades by sauropod fossils; they are known today as the largest dinosaurs, being giants with long necks.
D. [no change]
Explanation
Choice A correctly combines the sentences by making 'the long-necked giants' a non-restrictive appositive describing sauropods and properly placing the relative clause. This improves clarity and flow while preserving meaning.
2. Which is the best version of the underlined portion of sentence 6? have confirmed that, these resilient animals, did indeed walk the earth
A. (as it is now)
B. that, these resilient animals
C. that these resilient animals,
D. that these resilient animals Correct
Explanation
The original has unnecessary commas creating a comma splice error. Removing both commas makes 'that these resilient animals did indeed walk the earth' a proper noun clause object of 'confirmed'.
3. Which is the best version of the underlined portion of sentence 5? suggested that sauropods will have existed, on land
A. (as it is now)
B. exist,
C. existed, Correct
D. will exist,
Explanation
The passage is historical; fossil evidence from the past 'suggested' that sauropods 'existed' on land for a long time. Future perfect tense is inappropriate.
4. Which of the following sentences would best be inserted between sentences 11 and 12?
A. Like all dinosaurs, sauropods hatched from eggs.
B. This rather implausible conclusion nonetheless persisted for years. Correct
C. For decades, sauropods were considered emblematic of the phenomenon of extinction.
D. Sauropod fossils continue to be discovered in regions spread across the globe.
Explanation
The century-long growth estimate seemed unbelievable yet was accepted for years until new bone evidence challenged it. Choice B bridges this shift perfectly.
5. Where would the following sentence best be placed? How long did it take sauropods to grow to full adult size?
A. After sentence 3
B. After sentence 8
C. After sentence 9 Correct
D. After sentence 12
Explanation
Sentence 9 introduces growth rates as a key research area. The rhetorical question naturally follows to engage the reader before explaining old vs. new theories.