Biology · Geography

Fossils and Geological Eras

1,140 Questions

Fossils and geological eras provide a window into the history of the Earth. This topic covers prehistoric life, mass extinctions, and the geological time scale. It is an important part of the general science syllabus for many aptitude tests.

Geological time scaleTypes of fossilsPrehistoric lifeAncient climates

Fossils and Geological Eras Questions

Multiple choice

Which of the following are the conditions under which fossil fuels are formed from the remains of organisms?

(a) Absence of oxygen

(b) Absence of water

(c) High temperature

(d) High pressure

  1. Only (a), (b) and (c)

  2. Only (b), (c) and (d)

  3. Only (a) and (b)

  4. Only (c) and (d)

  5. Only (a), (c) and (d)
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
E Correct answer
Explanation

Yes, it is correct. When the dead remains of plants and animals are deprived of oxygen and the temperature and pressure is high for a long period of time, fossil fuels are formed.

Multiple choice

From the above passage, we can infer that, the pterosaur ______________.

Directions: Answer the question based on the following passage.
The existence of mammals on the earth can be traced back to at least the Triassic time. The rate of development was retarded, till evolutional change suddenly accelerated in the oldest Paleocene. This resulted in an increase in average size, larger mental capacity, and special adaptations for different modes of life, during the Eocene time. Further improvement was seen during the Oligocene Epoch, with the appearance of some new lines and extinction of others. The Miocene and Pliocene times are especially significant as they mark the culmination of various groups and a continued approach toward modern characters. It is in the Miocene time that the mammals reached their peak with reference to variety and size.
The ability of the mammals to adapt to various modes of life finds a parallel in the reptiles of the Mesozoic time, and apart form their greater intelligence, the mammals apparently have not done much better than the corresponding reptilian forms. Undoubtedly the bat is a better flying animal than the pterosaur, but at the same time the dolphin and whale are hardly more fish like than the ichthyosaur. Quite a few of the swift-running mammals inhabiting the plains, like the horse and the antelope, must excel any of the dinosaurs. Although the tyrannosaur was a more weighty and robust carnivore than perhaps any carnivorous mammal, the lion and the tiger, by virtue of their superior brain are far more efficient and dangerous beasts of prey. It is significant to note that various species of mammals gradually adapted themselves to various kinds of lifestyles, some took to grazing on the plains and were able to run swiftly (horse, deer, bison), others started living in rivers and swamps (hippopotamus, beaver), inhabiting trees (sloth, monkey), burrowing underground (rodent, mole), feeding on flesh (tiger, wolf), swimming in the water (dolphin, whale, seal), and flying in the air (bat). Human beings on account of their superior brain have been able to harness mechanical methods to conquer the physical world and adapt to any set of conditions.
Such adaptation to different conditions leads to a gradual change in form and structure. This is a biological characteristic of the youthful, plastic stage of a group. It is seen that early in its evolutional cycle animals possess the capacity for change, but as the animal progresses in its cycle becoming old and fixed, this capacity for change disappears. The generalized types of organisms retain increases the ability to make adjustments when required and it is from them that new, fecund stocks take origin-certainly not from any specialized end products. With reference to mammals, we see their birth, plastic spread in many directions, increased specialization, and in some cases, extinction; this is a characteristic of the evolution of life, which can be seen in the geologic record of life.

  1. resembled the bat

  2. was a Mesozoic mammal

  3. was a flying reptile

  4. inhabited the seas

  5. evolved during the Miocene period
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

'  Undoubtedly the bat is a better flying animal than the pterosaur,...'

Multiple choice

As inferred from the passage, the author most likely to agree with which of the following proverbial expressions?

Directions: Answer the question based on the following passage.
The existence of mammals on the earth can be traced back to at least the Triassic time. The rate of development was retarded, till evolutional change suddenly accelerated in the oldest Paleocene. This resulted in an increase in average size, larger mental capacity, and special adaptations for different modes of life, during the Eocene time. Further improvement was seen during the Oligocene Epoch, with the appearance of some new lines and extinction of others. The Miocene and Pliocene times are especially significant as they mark the culmination of various groups and a continued approach toward modern characters. It is in the Miocene time that the mammals reached their peak with reference to variety and size.
The ability of the mammals to adapt to various modes of life finds a parallel in the reptiles of the Mesozoic time, and apart form their greater intelligence, the mammals apparently have not done much better than the corresponding reptilian forms. Undoubtedly the bat is a better flying animal than the pterosaur, but at the same time the dolphin and whale are hardly more fish like than the ichthyosaur. Quite a few of the swift-running mammals inhabiting the plains, like the horse and the antelope, must excel any of the dinosaurs. Although the tyrannosaur was a more weighty and robust carnivore than perhaps any carnivorous mammal, the lion and the tiger, by virtue of their superior brain are far more efficient and dangerous beasts of prey. It is significant to note that various species of mammals gradually adapted themselves to various kinds of lifestyles, some took to grazing on the plains and were able to run swiftly (horse, deer, bison), others started living in rivers and swamps (hippopotamus, beaver), inhabiting trees (sloth, monkey), burrowing underground (rodent, mole), feeding on flesh (tiger, wolf), swimming in the water (dolphin, whale, seal), and flying in the air (bat). Human beings on account of their superior brain have been able to harness mechanical methods to conquer the physical world and adapt to any set of conditions.
Such adaptation to different conditions leads to a gradual change in form and structure. This is a biological characteristic of the youthful, plastic stage of a group. It is seen that early in its evolutional cycle animals possess the capacity for change, but as the animal progresses in its cycle becoming old and fixed, this capacity for change disappears. The generalized types of organisms retain increases the ability to make adjustments when required and it is from them that new, fecund stocks take origin-certainly not from any specialized end products. With reference to mammals, we see their birth, plastic spread in many directions, increased specialization, and in some cases, extinction; this is a characteristic of the evolution of life, which can be seen in the geologic record of life.

  1. It's a cruel world.

  2. All the world's a stage.

  3. The more things change, the more they remain the same.

  4. Footprints in the sands of time.

  5. A short life, but a merry one.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

The proverb goes with the theme of the passage, which talks about the evolution of different mammals over time.

Multiple choice

From the following, choose the most appropriate title for the above passage?

Directions: Answer the question based on the following passage.
The existence of mammals on the earth can be traced back to at least the Triassic time. The rate of development was retarded, till evolutional change suddenly accelerated in the oldest Paleocene. This resulted in an increase in average size, larger mental capacity, and special adaptations for different modes of life, during the Eocene time. Further improvement was seen during the Oligocene Epoch, with the appearance of some new lines and extinction of others. The Miocene and Pliocene times are especially significant as they mark the culmination of various groups and a continued approach toward modern characters. It is in the Miocene time that the mammals reached their peak with reference to variety and size.
The ability of the mammals to adapt to various modes of life finds a parallel in the reptiles of the Mesozoic time, and apart form their greater intelligence, the mammals apparently have not done much better than the corresponding reptilian forms. Undoubtedly the bat is a better flying animal than the pterosaur, but at the same time the dolphin and whale are hardly more fish like than the ichthyosaur. Quite a few of the swift-running mammals inhabiting the plains, like the horse and the antelope, must excel any of the dinosaurs. Although the tyrannosaur was a more weighty and robust carnivore than perhaps any carnivorous mammal, the lion and the tiger, by virtue of their superior brain are far more efficient and dangerous beasts of prey. It is significant to note that various species of mammals gradually adapted themselves to various kinds of lifestyles, some took to grazing on the plains and were able to run swiftly (horse, deer, bison), others started living in rivers and swamps (hippopotamus, beaver), inhabiting trees (sloth, monkey), burrowing underground (rodent, mole), feeding on flesh (tiger, wolf), swimming in the water (dolphin, whale, seal), and flying in the air (bat). Human beings on account of their superior brain have been able to harness mechanical methods to conquer the physical world and adapt to any set of conditions.
Such adaptation to different conditions leads to a gradual change in form and structure. This is a biological characteristic of the youthful, plastic stage of a group. It is seen that early in its evolutional cycle animals possess the capacity for change, but as the animal progresses in its cycle becoming old and fixed, this capacity for change disappears. The generalized types of organisms retain increases the ability to make adjustments when required and it is from them that new, fecund stocks take origin-certainly not from any specialized end products. With reference to mammals, we see their birth, plastic spread in many directions, increased specialization, and in some cases, extinction; this is a characteristic of the evolution of life, which can be seen in the geologic record of life.

  1. From Dinosaur to Man

  2. Adaptation and Extinction

  3. The Superior Mammals

  4. The Geologic Life Span

  5. Man, the Vanquisher of the Physical World.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

 The passage starts with the introduction of mammals on land and its sucessive evolution to man.

Multiple choice

Among the following statements, which statement, if true, would weaken the argument put forth in the first sentence of Paragraph 1?

Directions: Answer the question based on the following passage.
The existence of mammals on the earth can be traced back to at least the Triassic time. The rate of development was retarded, till evolutional change suddenly accelerated in the oldest Paleocene. This resulted in an increase in average size, larger mental capacity, and special adaptations for different modes of life, during the Eocene time. Further improvement was seen during the Oligocene Epoch, with the appearance of some new lines and extinction of others. The Miocene and Pliocene times are especially significant as they mark the culmination of various groups and a continued approach toward modern characters. It is in the Miocene time that the mammals reached their peak with reference to variety and size.
The ability of the mammals to adapt to various modes of life finds a parallel in the reptiles of the Mesozoic time, and apart form their greater intelligence, the mammals apparently have not done much better than the corresponding reptilian forms. Undoubtedly the bat is a better flying animal than the pterosaur, but at the same time the dolphin and whale are hardly more fish like than the ichthyosaur. Quite a few of the swift-running mammals inhabiting the plains, like the horse and the antelope, must excel any of the dinosaurs. Although the tyrannosaur was a more weighty and robust carnivore than perhaps any carnivorous mammal, the lion and the tiger, by virtue of their superior brain are far more efficient and dangerous beasts of prey. It is significant to note that various species of mammals gradually adapted themselves to various kinds of lifestyles, some took to grazing on the plains and were able to run swiftly (horse, deer, bison), others started living in rivers and swamps (hippopotamus, beaver), inhabiting trees (sloth, monkey), burrowing underground (rodent, mole), feeding on flesh (tiger, wolf), swimming in the water (dolphin, whale, seal), and flying in the air (bat). Human beings on account of their superior brain have been able to harness mechanical methods to conquer the physical world and adapt to any set of conditions.
Such adaptation to different conditions leads to a gradual change in form and structure. This is a biological characteristic of the youthful, plastic stage of a group. It is seen that early in its evolutional cycle animals possess the capacity for change, but as the animal progresses in its cycle becoming old and fixed, this capacity for change disappears. The generalized types of organisms retain increases the ability to make adjustments when required and it is from them that new, fecund stocks take origin-certainly not from any specialized end products. With reference to mammals, we see their birth, plastic spread in many directions, increased specialization, and in some cases, extinction; this is a characteristic of the evolution of life, which can be seen in the geologic record of life.

  1. It has been found that the tryannosaur had a larger brain, than was previously known.

  2. Within the next thousand years, mammals will become extinct.

  3. Recently certain forms of flying ichthyosaurs have been discovered.

  4. It has now been proved, that the tiger is more powerful than the carnivorous reptiles.

  5. It is now possible to double human mental capacity, by the use of certain recently developed computers.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

 The tyronassour , which belonged to the triassic time was the least developed as per the statement ' The rate of development was retarded, till evolutional change suddenly accelerated in the oldest Paleocene'.

Multiple choice

According to the passage the chronological order of the geologic periods is _____________________________________.

Directions: Answer the question based on the following passage.
The existence of mammals on the earth can be traced back to at least the Triassic time. The rate of development was retarded, till evolutional change suddenly accelerated in the oldest Paleocene. This resulted in an increase in average size, larger mental capacity, and special adaptations for different modes of life, during the Eocene time. Further improvement was seen during the Oligocene Epoch, with the appearance of some new lines and extinction of others. The Miocene and Pliocene times are especially significant as they mark the culmination of various groups and a continued approach toward modern characters. It is in the Miocene time that the mammals reached their peak with reference to variety and size.
The ability of the mammals to adapt to various modes of life finds a parallel in the reptiles of the Mesozoic time, and apart form their greater intelligence, the mammals apparently have not done much better than the corresponding reptilian forms. Undoubtedly the bat is a better flying animal than the pterosaur, but at the same time the dolphin and whale are hardly more fish like than the ichthyosaur. Quite a few of the swift-running mammals inhabiting the plains, like the horse and the antelope, must excel any of the dinosaurs. Although the tyrannosaur was a more weighty and robust carnivore than perhaps any carnivorous mammal, the lion and the tiger, by virtue of their superior brain are far more efficient and dangerous beasts of prey. It is significant to note that various species of mammals gradually adapted themselves to various kinds of lifestyles, some took to grazing on the plains and were able to run swiftly (horse, deer, bison), others started living in rivers and swamps (hippopotamus, beaver), inhabiting trees (sloth, monkey), burrowing underground (rodent, mole), feeding on flesh (tiger, wolf), swimming in the water (dolphin, whale, seal), and flying in the air (bat). Human beings on account of their superior brain have been able to harness mechanical methods to conquer the physical world and adapt to any set of conditions.
Such adaptation to different conditions leads to a gradual change in form and structure. This is a biological characteristic of the youthful, plastic stage of a group. It is seen that early in its evolutional cycle animals possess the capacity for change, but as the animal progresses in its cycle becoming old and fixed, this capacity for change disappears. The generalized types of organisms retain increases the ability to make adjustments when required and it is from them that new, fecund stocks take origin-certainly not from any specialized end products. With reference to mammals, we see their birth, plastic spread in many directions, increased specialization, and in some cases, extinction; this is a characteristic of the evolution of life, which can be seen in the geologic record of life.

  1. Paleocene, Miocene, Triassic, Mesozoic

  2. Paleocene, Triassic, Mesozoic, Miocene

  3. Miocene, Paleocene, Triassic, Mesozoic

  4. Mesozoic, Oligocene, Paleocene, Miocene

  5. Mesozoic, Paleocene, Eocene, Miocene
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
E Correct answer
Explanation

Mesozoic, Paleocene, Eocene, Miocene

Multiple choice

As inferred from the passage, the largest number of mammals were found in which of the following periods?

Directions: Answer the question based on the following passage.
The existence of mammals on the earth can be traced back to at least the Triassic time. The rate of development was retarded, till evolutional change suddenly accelerated in the oldest Paleocene. This resulted in an increase in average size, larger mental capacity, and special adaptations for different modes of life, during the Eocene time. Further improvement was seen during the Oligocene Epoch, with the appearance of some new lines and extinction of others. The Miocene and Pliocene times are especially significant as they mark the culmination of various groups and a continued approach toward modern characters. It is in the Miocene time that the mammals reached their peak with reference to variety and size.
The ability of the mammals to adapt to various modes of life finds a parallel in the reptiles of the Mesozoic time, and apart form their greater intelligence, the mammals apparently have not done much better than the corresponding reptilian forms. Undoubtedly the bat is a better flying animal than the pterosaur, but at the same time the dolphin and whale are hardly more fish like than the ichthyosaur. Quite a few of the swift-running mammals inhabiting the plains, like the horse and the antelope, must excel any of the dinosaurs. Although the tyrannosaur was a more weighty and robust carnivore than perhaps any carnivorous mammal, the lion and the tiger, by virtue of their superior brain are far more efficient and dangerous beasts of prey. It is significant to note that various species of mammals gradually adapted themselves to various kinds of lifestyles, some took to grazing on the plains and were able to run swiftly (horse, deer, bison), others started living in rivers and swamps (hippopotamus, beaver), inhabiting trees (sloth, monkey), burrowing underground (rodent, mole), feeding on flesh (tiger, wolf), swimming in the water (dolphin, whale, seal), and flying in the air (bat). Human beings on account of their superior brain have been able to harness mechanical methods to conquer the physical world and adapt to any set of conditions.
Such adaptation to different conditions leads to a gradual change in form and structure. This is a biological characteristic of the youthful, plastic stage of a group. It is seen that early in its evolutional cycle animals possess the capacity for change, but as the animal progresses in its cycle becoming old and fixed, this capacity for change disappears. The generalized types of organisms retain increases the ability to make adjustments when required and it is from them that new, fecund stocks take origin-certainly not from any specialized end products. With reference to mammals, we see their birth, plastic spread in many directions, increased specialization, and in some cases, extinction; this is a characteristic of the evolution of life, which can be seen in the geologic record of life.

  1. Triassic period

  2. Eocene period

  3. Oligocene epoch

  4. Pliocene period

  5. Miocene period
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
E Correct answer
Explanation

 It is in the Miocene time that the mammals reached their peak with reference to variety and size.

Multiple choice

It is clear from the passage, that the evidence used to discuss the life of past time periods _____________________.

Directions: Answer the question based on the following passage.
The existence of mammals on the earth can be traced back to at least the Triassic time. The rate of development was retarded, till evolutional change suddenly accelerated in the oldest Paleocene. This resulted in an increase in average size, larger mental capacity, and special adaptations for different modes of life, during the Eocene time. Further improvement was seen during the Oligocene Epoch, with the appearance of some new lines and extinction of others. The Miocene and Pliocene times are especially significant as they mark the culmination of various groups and a continued approach toward modern characters. It is in the Miocene time that the mammals reached their peak with reference to variety and size.
The ability of the mammals to adapt to various modes of life finds a parallel in the reptiles of the Mesozoic time, and apart form their greater intelligence, the mammals apparently have not done much better than the corresponding reptilian forms. Undoubtedly the bat is a better flying animal than the pterosaur, but at the same time the dolphin and whale are hardly more fish like than the ichthyosaur. Quite a few of the swift-running mammals inhabiting the plains, like the horse and the antelope, must excel any of the dinosaurs. Although the tyrannosaur was a more weighty and robust carnivore than perhaps any carnivorous mammal, the lion and the tiger, by virtue of their superior brain are far more efficient and dangerous beasts of prey. It is significant to note that various species of mammals gradually adapted themselves to various kinds of lifestyles, some took to grazing on the plains and were able to run swiftly (horse, deer, bison), others started living in rivers and swamps (hippopotamus, beaver), inhabiting trees (sloth, monkey), burrowing underground (rodent, mole), feeding on flesh (tiger, wolf), swimming in the water (dolphin, whale, seal), and flying in the air (bat). Human beings on account of their superior brain have been able to harness mechanical methods to conquer the physical world and adapt to any set of conditions.
Such adaptation to different conditions leads to a gradual change in form and structure. This is a biological characteristic of the youthful, plastic stage of a group. It is seen that early in its evolutional cycle animals possess the capacity for change, but as the animal progresses in its cycle becoming old and fixed, this capacity for change disappears. The generalized types of organisms retain increases the ability to make adjustments when required and it is from them that new, fecund stocks take origin-certainly not from any specialized end products. With reference to mammals, we see their birth, plastic spread in many directions, increased specialization, and in some cases, extinction; this is a characteristic of the evolution of life, which can be seen in the geologic record of life.

  1. was developed by Charles Darwin

  2. was unearthed by the author

  3. has been negated by more recent evidence

  4. was never truly established

  5. is based on fossilized remains
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
E Correct answer
Explanation

 Charles Drawin is not mentioned in the passage.  The author never mentioned that he came up with the findings. There is no negation of the existing evidence. We are left with option 5.

Multiple choice

The Earth is approximately

  1. 8.5 billion years old

  2. 4.5 billion years old

  3. 6.6 billion years old

  4. 10.5 billion years old
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

Scientific evidence from radiometric dating of meteorites and Earth rocks indicates Earth formed approximately 4.5 billion years ago. This age is consistent across multiple dating methods and is the accepted scientific consensus. The other options (8.5, 6.6, 10.5 billion years) are not supported by geological evidence.

Multiple choice

In which of these groups, are the oldest living fossils placed?

  1. Archaebacteria

  2. Mycoplasma

  3. Rickettsia

  4. All the above

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Archaebacteria are considered the oldest living fossils on Earth. They thrive in extreme environments similar to early Earth conditions and are believed to resemble the earliest life forms. Mycoplasma and Rickettsia are more evolved bacteria.

Multiple choice

According to the context, which of the following is the best phrase that can be inserted at the beginning of sentence 12?

Improving Paragraph

Direction for questions 1 to 6: The following passage is an early draft of an essay. Some parts of the passage need to be rewritten. Read the passage and select the best answers for the questions that follow. Some questions are about particular sentences or parts of sentences and ask you to improve sentence structure or word choice. Other questions ask you to consider organization and development. In choosing answers, follow the requirements of standard written English.

 Dinosaurs and Man

(1) These reptiles were very different from animals we are familiar with and they went extinct millions of years ago. (2) Some seem almost like monsters.(3) They existed as proved by the fossil record.(4) The young-earth fascination with dinosaurs centers on ‘proving’ they existed with man, hence indicating their world is not ancient. (5) The next article discuses how the theory that a global flood deposited the fossil layers does not hold water.  (6) People who are familiar with paleontology or history realize that before the dinosaur fossil discoveries of the 1800s, no one had ever heard of the long lost reptiles.
(7) The first evidence comes from mythology. (8)  Yes, you read that right.  (9) Creationists have had a history through mythology, looking for references to dragons and another beasts – and another beasts - and even the Loch Ness monster – and pointing to these things as possible indicators of dinosaurs.  (10)  Only recently did many creationists start agreeing with their critics that using mythology does not help one’s scientific theories very will and some have stopped using these ‘proofs”.  (11)  Most have also abandoned using the “Loch Ness Monster” and similar frauds and urban legends as evidences. (12) As a sign of the poor dissemination of information in creationist circles, some still print these things as true. (13)  So what do young-earth creationists purport to be the evidence of dinosaurs living alongside man? (14) Even the long ago abandoned claim that human footprints were found alongside dinosaur prints in the Paluxy River bed in Texas is resurrected quite often.  (15) Both secular and Christian researchers (including many young – earthers ) have concluded these prints are not human, but dinosaur prints like the ones they are found with. (16) Some reasons that the “human” prints are not human: 1. Too far apart to be human: 2.  Most are too large: 3.  Many show claw marks, etc,; and 4.  Some of the “prints” are simply erosion patterns.

  1. That one,

  2. In any case,

  3. Notwithstanding

  4. Not so significant

  5. Yet,
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
E Correct answer
Explanation

Sentences10 and 11 suggest the invalidity of mythological proves to be ascertained as truth whereas sentence 12 suggests that some still print these things as true.  Option (E) retains this contrasting situation; hence (E) is the answer.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is the best way to revise and combine the underlined portions of sentences 2 and 3 (reproduced below)?

Some seem almost like monsters. They existed as proved by the fossil record.

Improving Paragraph

Direction for questions 1 to 6: The following passage is an early draft of an essay. Some parts of the passage need to be rewritten. Read the passage and select the best answers for the questions that follow. Some questions are about particular sentences or parts of sentences and ask you to improve sentence structure or word choice. Other questions ask you to consider organization and development. In choosing answers, follow the requirements of standard written English.

 Dinosaurs and Man

(1) These reptiles were very different from animals we are familiar with and they went extinct millions of years ago. (2) Some seem almost like monsters.(3) They existed as proved by the fossil record.(4) The young-earth fascination with dinosaurs centers on ‘proving’ they existed with man, hence indicating their world is not ancient. (5) The next article discuses how the theory that a global flood deposited the fossil layers does not hold water.  (6) People who are familiar with paleontology or history realize that before the dinosaur fossil discoveries of the 1800s, no one had ever heard of the long lost reptiles.
(7) The first evidence comes from mythology. (8)  Yes, you read that right.  (9) Creationists have had a history through mythology, looking for references to dragons and another beasts – and another beasts - and even the Loch Ness monster – and pointing to these things as possible indicators of dinosaurs.  (10)  Only recently did many creationists start agreeing with their critics that using mythology does not help one’s scientific theories very will and some have stopped using these ‘proofs”.  (11)  Most have also abandoned using the “Loch Ness Monster” and similar frauds and urban legends as evidences. (12) As a sign of the poor dissemination of information in creationist circles, some still print these things as true. (13)  So what do young-earth creationists purport to be the evidence of dinosaurs living alongside man? (14) Even the long ago abandoned claim that human footprints were found alongside dinosaur prints in the Paluxy River bed in Texas is resurrected quite often.  (15) Both secular and Christian researchers (including many young – earthers ) have concluded these prints are not human, but dinosaur prints like the ones they are found with. (16) Some reasons that the “human” prints are not human: 1. Too far apart to be human: 2.  Most are too large: 3.  Many show claw marks, etc,; and 4.  Some of the “prints” are simply erosion patterns.

  1. monsters; they existed as proved by the fossil record.

  2. monsters, and the fossil record proves their existence.

  3. monsters as proved by the existence of fossil record.

  4. monsters; yet the fossil record proves their existence.

  5. monsters; the fossil record has proved that they existed.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

“Monsters” sets up the contrast in the sentence.  Monsters' existence on the earth would harm the humans and therefore they are believed to be non-existent.  Option (D) maintains this contrast, thereby giving a cogent meaning to the sentence.  Hence, (D) is the answer.

Multiple choice

Which of the following should be done with sentence 13?

Improving Paragraph

Direction for questions 1 to 6: The following passage is an early draft of an essay. Some parts of the passage need to be rewritten. Read the passage and select the best answers for the questions that follow. Some questions are about particular sentences or parts of sentences and ask you to improve sentence structure or word choice. Other questions ask you to consider organization and development. In choosing answers, follow the requirements of standard written English.

 Dinosaurs and Man

(1) These reptiles were very different from animals we are familiar with and they went extinct millions of years ago. (2) Some seem almost like monsters.(3) They existed as proved by the fossil record.(4) The young-earth fascination with dinosaurs centers on ‘proving’ they existed with man, hence indicating their world is not ancient. (5) The next article discuses how the theory that a global flood deposited the fossil layers does not hold water.  (6) People who are familiar with paleontology or history realize that before the dinosaur fossil discoveries of the 1800s, no one had ever heard of the long lost reptiles.
(7) The first evidence comes from mythology. (8)  Yes, you read that right.  (9) Creationists have had a history through mythology, looking for references to dragons and another beasts – and another beasts - and even the Loch Ness monster – and pointing to these things as possible indicators of dinosaurs.  (10)  Only recently did many creationists start agreeing with their critics that using mythology does not help one’s scientific theories very will and some have stopped using these ‘proofs”.  (11)  Most have also abandoned using the “Loch Ness Monster” and similar frauds and urban legends as evidences. (12) As a sign of the poor dissemination of information in creationist circles, some still print these things as true. (13)  So what do young-earth creationists purport to be the evidence of dinosaurs living alongside man? (14) Even the long ago abandoned claim that human footprints were found alongside dinosaur prints in the Paluxy River bed in Texas is resurrected quite often.  (15) Both secular and Christian researchers (including many young – earthers ) have concluded these prints are not human, but dinosaur prints like the ones they are found with. (16) Some reasons that the “human” prints are not human: 1. Too far apart to be human: 2.  Most are too large: 3.  Many show claw marks, etc,; and 4.  Some of the “prints” are simply erosion patterns.

  1. Leave it as it

  2. Insert the word, 'According to you' at the beginning.

  3. Delete it

  4. Move lit to the end of paragraph 1 (after sentence 6)

  5. Move it to the end of the essay as a summary statement.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Option (D) is the answer as the following paragraph supports it by citing two evidences. Moreover, it forms a cogent link with sentence 6.

Multiple choice

According to the context, which is the best revision that can be made to sentence 9 (reproduced below)?

Creationists have had a history through mythology, looking for references to dragons and another beasts – and another beasts - and even the Loch Ness monster – and pointing to these things as possible indicators of dinosaurs.

Improving Paragraph

Direction for questions 1 to 6: The following passage is an early draft of an essay. Some parts of the passage need to be rewritten. Read the passage and select the best answers for the questions that follow. Some questions are about particular sentences or parts of sentences and ask you to improve sentence structure or word choice. Other questions ask you to consider organization and development. In choosing answers, follow the requirements of standard written English.

 Dinosaurs and Man

(1) These reptiles were very different from animals we are familiar with and they went extinct millions of years ago. (2) Some seem almost like monsters.(3) They existed as proved by the fossil record.(4) The young-earth fascination with dinosaurs centers on ‘proving’ they existed with man, hence indicating their world is not ancient. (5) The next article discuses how the theory that a global flood deposited the fossil layers does not hold water.  (6) People who are familiar with paleontology or history realize that before the dinosaur fossil discoveries of the 1800s, no one had ever heard of the long lost reptiles.
(7) The first evidence comes from mythology. (8)  Yes, you read that right.  (9) Creationists have had a history through mythology, looking for references to dragons and another beasts – and another beasts - and even the Loch Ness monster – and pointing to these things as possible indicators of dinosaurs.  (10)  Only recently did many creationists start agreeing with their critics that using mythology does not help one’s scientific theories very will and some have stopped using these ‘proofs”.  (11)  Most have also abandoned using the “Loch Ness Monster” and similar frauds and urban legends as evidences. (12) As a sign of the poor dissemination of information in creationist circles, some still print these things as true. (13)  So what do young-earth creationists purport to be the evidence of dinosaurs living alongside man? (14) Even the long ago abandoned claim that human footprints were found alongside dinosaur prints in the Paluxy River bed in Texas is resurrected quite often.  (15) Both secular and Christian researchers (including many young – earthers ) have concluded these prints are not human, but dinosaur prints like the ones they are found with. (16) Some reasons that the “human” prints are not human: 1. Too far apart to be human: 2.  Most are too large: 3.  Many show claw marks, etc,; and 4.  Some of the “prints” are simply erosion patterns.

  1. Leave it as it is

  2. Delete ‘had’

  3. Insert ‘of going’ before ‘through’

  4. Delete ‘and another beasts’

  5. Change ‘and pointing’ to ‘that point’.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Option (C) is the answer as ‘of going through’ is in tandem with ‘looking for references’ in second part of the sentence, thereby giving a cogent meaning to the sentence.