Comprehension
Called by some the “island that time forgot,” Madagascar is home to a vast array of
unique, exotic creatures. One such animal is the aye-aye. First described by western
science in 1782, it was initially categorized as a member of the order Rodentia. Further
research then revealed that it was more closely related to the lemur, a member of the
primate order. Since the aye-aye is so different from its fellow primates, however, it was
given its own family: Daubentoniidae. The aye-aye has been listed as an endangered
species and, as a result, the government of Madagascar has designated an island off the
northeastern coast of Madagascar as a protected reserve for aye-ayes and other wildlife.
Long before Western science became enthralled with this nocturnal denizen of Madagascar’s jungles, the aye-aye had its own reputation with the local people. The aye aye is perhaps best known for its large, round eyes and long, extremely thin middle finger. These adaptations are quite sensible, allowing the aye-aye to see well at night and retrieve grubs, which are one of its primary food sources, from deep within hollow branches. However, the aye-aye’s striking appearance may end up causing its extinction. The people of Madagascar believe that the aye-aye is a type of spirit animal, and that its appearance is an omen of death. Whenever one is sighted, it is immediately killed. When combined with the loss of large swaths of jungle habitat, this practice may result in the loss of a superb .
Long before Western science became enthralled with this nocturnal denizen of Madagascar’s jungles, the aye-aye had its own reputation with the local people. The aye aye is perhaps best known for its large, round eyes and long, extremely thin middle finger. These adaptations are quite sensible, allowing the aye-aye to see well at night and retrieve grubs, which are one of its primary food sources, from deep within hollow branches. However, the aye-aye’s striking appearance may end up causing its extinction. The people of Madagascar believe that the aye-aye is a type of spirit animal, and that its appearance is an omen of death. Whenever one is sighted, it is immediately killed. When combined with the loss of large swaths of jungle habitat, this practice may result in the loss of a superb .
Question: 1
Based on the information given in the passage, the intended audience would most likely be
Based on the information given in the passage, the intended audience would most likely be
Show Hint
When analyzing a passage, consider the tone and subject matter to help identify the most appropriate audience.
Updated On: Oct 8, 2025
- visitors to a natural science museum
- professors of evolutionary science
- a third-grade science class
- students of comparative religions
- attendees at a world cultural symposium
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The Correct Option is A
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: Consider the tone and content of the passage.
The passage provides information about a unique animal, the aye-aye, and it discusses the scientific aspects of its classification as well as the cultural significance it holds for the local people. This suggests that the intended audience is one that is interested in scientific or natural history topics.
Step 2: Analyze the options.
- (A) Visitors to a natural science museum are the most likely audience, as they are typically interested in learning about exotic animals and the natural world.
- (B) Professors of evolutionary science would already be familiar with the information presented in the passage.
- (C) A third-grade science class is unlikely to be the intended audience due to the complexity of the topic.
- (D) Students of comparative religions may find the passage of interest, but it is not focused on religious studies.
- (E) Attendees at a world cultural symposium would likely focus on cultural and social topics rather than specific wildlife issues.
Step 3: Conclusion.
Given that the passage discusses scientific information, the most appropriate audience would be visitors to a natural science museum.
Final Answer: \[ \boxed{\text{(A) visitors to a natural science museum}} \]
The passage provides information about a unique animal, the aye-aye, and it discusses the scientific aspects of its classification as well as the cultural significance it holds for the local people. This suggests that the intended audience is one that is interested in scientific or natural history topics.
Step 2: Analyze the options.
- (A) Visitors to a natural science museum are the most likely audience, as they are typically interested in learning about exotic animals and the natural world.
- (B) Professors of evolutionary science would already be familiar with the information presented in the passage.
- (C) A third-grade science class is unlikely to be the intended audience due to the complexity of the topic.
- (D) Students of comparative religions may find the passage of interest, but it is not focused on religious studies.
- (E) Attendees at a world cultural symposium would likely focus on cultural and social topics rather than specific wildlife issues.
Step 3: Conclusion.
Given that the passage discusses scientific information, the most appropriate audience would be visitors to a natural science museum.
Final Answer: \[ \boxed{\text{(A) visitors to a natural science museum}} \]
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Question: 2
Consider each of the choices separately and select all that apply. Which of the following statements can be logically inferred from the passage?
Consider each of the choices separately and select all that apply. Which of the following statements can be logically inferred from the passage?
Show Hint
When making inferences from a passage, look for key details that directly support or imply the statements provided in the options.
Updated On: Oct 8, 2025
- Taxonomic classifications are not always absolute.
- The traditional religion of Madagascar involves augury.
- There are no longer enough resources on the main island to support the aye-aye population.
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Verified By Collegedunia
The Correct Option is A
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: Analyze the passage.
The passage mentions that the aye-aye was originally classified under the order Rodentia, but later research found it to be more closely related to lemurs. This suggests that taxonomic classifications can change based on new information, implying that such classifications are not always absolute.
Step 2: Review the options.
- (A) This is correct, as the passage indicates that scientific classifications can change based on further research.
- (B) The passage briefly touches on the cultural significance of the aye-aye, but there is no mention of augury or the traditional religion of Madagascar.
- (C) The passage suggests that the government designated an island off the coast as a protected reserve for the aye-aye, but it does not explicitly mention the lack of resources on the main island.
Step 3: Conclusion.
Based on the passage, (A) is the only statement that can be logically inferred.
Final Answer: \[ \boxed{\text{(A) Taxonomic classifications are not always absolute.}} \]
The passage mentions that the aye-aye was originally classified under the order Rodentia, but later research found it to be more closely related to lemurs. This suggests that taxonomic classifications can change based on new information, implying that such classifications are not always absolute.
Step 2: Review the options.
- (A) This is correct, as the passage indicates that scientific classifications can change based on further research.
- (B) The passage briefly touches on the cultural significance of the aye-aye, but there is no mention of augury or the traditional religion of Madagascar.
- (C) The passage suggests that the government designated an island off the coast as a protected reserve for the aye-aye, but it does not explicitly mention the lack of resources on the main island.
Step 3: Conclusion.
Based on the passage, (A) is the only statement that can be logically inferred.
Final Answer: \[ \boxed{\text{(A) Taxonomic classifications are not always absolute.}} \]
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