16. Where would the following sentence best be placed? How long did it take sauropods to grow to full adult size?
Answer: C
The sentence would best be placed after sentence 9.
Integrating the sentence "How long did it take sauropods to grow to full adult size?" after sentence 9 would provide a logical transition from discussing food waste and energy savings to a related topic of biological growth rates, aligning with the flow of information regarding sustainability and natural processes.
A) After sentence 3
Placing the sentence after sentence 3 would disrupt the context. Sentence 3 focuses on consumer behavior related to food waste, which is unrelated to the growth rates of sauropods. This positioning would confuse the reader by introducing an entirely different subject matter too early in the discussion.
B) After sentence 8
While sentence 8 discusses energy consumption related to food production and distribution, it does not create a relevant connection to the growth of sauropods. This placement would still leave the reader without a cohesive link between the topics being discussed, making the transition feel abrupt and out of place.
C) After sentence 9
Positioning the sentence after sentence 9 creates a smooth transition from the discussion on food waste to broader themes of natural processes, such as growth rates. The preceding sentences focus on sustainability and energy, making the inquiry about sauropods' growth rates a fitting expansion of the topic.
D) After sentence 12
While sentence 12 discusses meal planning and reducing food spoilage, it is too far removed from the topic of sauropods. This placement would not effectively connect the growth rate question to the ongoing discussion about food sustainability, as it veers back into consumer behavior without a clear link to the biological aspect.
Conclusion
The best placement for the sentence is after sentence 9, as it maintains a thematic coherence with the preceding discussion on sustainability and natural processes. Options A, B, and D fail to provide a relevant connection, while C effectively bridges the gap between food waste and broader ecological topics, enhancing the overall flow of the narrative.