Digital SAT® Practice Test 1: Reading and Writing Module 2 (Easy): Question 14 Explanation

Digital SAT Reading and Writing Test 3 Question 14

Which choice most logically completes the text?

stranded debris in the water also contributes to the growth of alien marine species in coastal areas.
stranded debris must have contributed to the growth of alien marine species much earlier than maritime trade.
the coastal areas would not have an invasive species problem without any stranded debris.
the growing number of alien marine species could be solely attributed to the maritime trade.

Answer:

Explanation

Conventional wisdom has it that the increasing number of alien marine species in coastal areas is due to the ballast water of ocean-going ships from maritime trade. However, a group of scientists recently discovered that stranded debris in the water, such as bottles and plastic bags, floats long distances to different parts of the ocean while various marine species attach themselves to them. This discovery may indicate that stranded debris in the water also contributes to the growth of alien marine species in coastal areas.

Choice A is the best answer. The text mentions that the increasing number of alien marine species in coastal areas has been attributed to the ballast water of ocean-going ships. Then, scientists discovered that various marine species attach themselves to stranded debris that floats long distances. It is then reasonable to infer that stranded debris has also allowed alien marine species to float to and grow in coastal areas.

Choice B: The text does not indicate that stranded debris contributed to the growth of alien marine species before maritime trade.

Choice C: The text does not indicate that the only cause of alien species in coastal areas has been stranded debris.

Choice D: This answer does not acknowledge the scientists' discovery in the text.

✨ Expert's Tip ✨

Identify the scientists' finding and how it would affect the growth of alien marine species in coastal areas.