PrepTest 156, Section 1, Question 23
Discovered in 1993, the site known as Ukhaa(459 more words not shown)
According to the passage, which(24 more words not shown)
- Athe existence of(8 more words not shown)
- Bthe fact that(11 more words not shown)
- Cthe fact that(8 more words not shown)
- Dthe discovery of(10 more words not shown)
- Ethe fact that(10 more words not shown)
Reading the passage
Which evidence supported the old sandstorm hypothesis? Keep the two explanations separate. The unusually complete skeletons suggested that the animals had been buried quickly, before scavengers or exposure could damage them. Sandstorms were the initial proposed way to do that.
What we’re looking for
The later sandstone analysis led scientists away from that explanation. Evidence for the replacement theory doesn't answer this question.
Working the answers
- A
Discovering three kinds of sandstone is part of the later geological investigation. The original sandstorm hypothesis came from the quality of preservation.
- B
The unlayered deposit contains the skeletons and resembles the product of a sandslide. That supports the competing explanation, not the initial sandstorm account.
- CCorrect
The first paragraph explicitly links the “quality and completeness” of the fossils to the original theory. Sudden burial by a sandstorm could protect the bodies before scavenging or exposure destroyed them. That explains why preservation was initially taken as evidence for storms, even though the later investigation favors another way of burying them quickly.
- D
Footprints in wind-created sandstone aren't the observation that prompted the explanation for these well-preserved skeletons. In fact, the first sandstone contains footprints but no skeletal remains.
- E
Clay deposits help explain how a dune can retain water and then slide after heavy rain. Dust storms appear in that mechanism, but depositing clay isn't the same as a sandstorm directly burying the animals.
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