Comprehension
During the frigid season...it's often necessary to nestle under a blanket to try to stay warm.The temperature difference between the blanket and the air outside is so palpable that we often have trouble leaving our warm refuge.Many plants and animals similarly hunker down,relying on snow cover for safety from winter's harsh conditions.The small area between the snowpack and the ground,called the subnivium...might be the most important ecosystem that you have never heard of.
The subnivium is so well-insulated and stable that its temperature holds steady at around 32 degree Fahrenheit (0 degree Celsius). Although that might still sound cold, a constant temperature of 32 degree Fahrenheit can often be 30 to 40 degrees warmer than the air temperature during the peak of winter. Because of this large temperature difference, a wide variety of species...depend on the subnivium for winter protection.
For many organisms living in temperate and Arctic regions, the difference between being under the snow or outside it is a matter of life and death. Consequently, disruptions to the subnivium brought about by climate change will affect everything from population dynamics to nutrient cycling through the ecosystem.
The formation and stability of the subnivium requires more than a few flurries. Winter ecologists have suggested that eight inches of snow is necessary to develop a stable layer of insulation. Depth is not the only factor, however. More accurately, the stability of the subnivium depends on the interaction between snow depth and snow density. Imagine being under a stack of blankets that are all flattened and pressed together. When compressed, the blankets essentially form one compacted layer. In contrast, when they are lightly placed on top of one another, their insulative capacity increases because the air pockets between them trap heat. Greater depths of low-density snow are therefore better at insulating the ground.
Both depth and density of snow are sensitive to temperature. Scientists are now beginning to explore how climate change will affect the subnivium, as well as the species that depend on it. At first glance, warmer winters seem beneficial for species that have difficulty surviving subzero temperatures; however, as with most ecological phenomena, the consequences are not so straightforward. Research has shown that the snow season (the period when snow is more likely than rain) has become shorter since 1970. When rain falls on snow, it increases the density of the snow and reduces its insulative capacity. Therefore, even though winters are expected to become warmer overall from future climate change, the subnivium will tend to become colder and more variable with less protection from the above-ground temperatures.
The effects of a colder subnivium are complex...For example, shrubs such as crowberry and alpine a2alea that grow along the forest floor tend to block the wind and so retain higher depths of snow around them. This captured snow helps to keep soils insulated and in turn increases plant decomposition and nutrient release. In field experiments, researchers removed a portion of the snow cover to investigate the importance of the subnivium's insulation. They found that soil frost in the snow-free area resulted in damage to plant roots and sometimes even the death of the plant.
The purpose of this passage is to
A) introduce readers to a relatively unknown ecosystem: the subnivium
B) explain how the subnivium works to provide shelter and food to several species.
C) outline the effects of climate change on the subnivium.
D) draw an analogy between the effect of blankets on humans and of snow cover on species living in the subnivium.
The subnivium is so well-insulated and stable that its temperature holds steady at around 32 degree Fahrenheit (0 degree Celsius). Although that might still sound cold, a constant temperature of 32 degree Fahrenheit can often be 30 to 40 degrees warmer than the air temperature during the peak of winter. Because of this large temperature difference, a wide variety of species...depend on the subnivium for winter protection.
For many organisms living in temperate and Arctic regions, the difference between being under the snow or outside it is a matter of life and death. Consequently, disruptions to the subnivium brought about by climate change will affect everything from population dynamics to nutrient cycling through the ecosystem.
The formation and stability of the subnivium requires more than a few flurries. Winter ecologists have suggested that eight inches of snow is necessary to develop a stable layer of insulation. Depth is not the only factor, however. More accurately, the stability of the subnivium depends on the interaction between snow depth and snow density. Imagine being under a stack of blankets that are all flattened and pressed together. When compressed, the blankets essentially form one compacted layer. In contrast, when they are lightly placed on top of one another, their insulative capacity increases because the air pockets between them trap heat. Greater depths of low-density snow are therefore better at insulating the ground.
Both depth and density of snow are sensitive to temperature. Scientists are now beginning to explore how climate change will affect the subnivium, as well as the species that depend on it. At first glance, warmer winters seem beneficial for species that have difficulty surviving subzero temperatures; however, as with most ecological phenomena, the consequences are not so straightforward. Research has shown that the snow season (the period when snow is more likely than rain) has become shorter since 1970. When rain falls on snow, it increases the density of the snow and reduces its insulative capacity. Therefore, even though winters are expected to become warmer overall from future climate change, the subnivium will tend to become colder and more variable with less protection from the above-ground temperatures.
The effects of a colder subnivium are complex...For example, shrubs such as crowberry and alpine a2alea that grow along the forest floor tend to block the wind and so retain higher depths of snow around them. This captured snow helps to keep soils insulated and in turn increases plant decomposition and nutrient release. In field experiments, researchers removed a portion of the snow cover to investigate the importance of the subnivium's insulation. They found that soil frost in the snow-free area resulted in damage to plant roots and sometimes even the death of the plant.
The purpose of this passage is to
A) introduce readers to a relatively unknown ecosystem: the subnivium
B) explain how the subnivium works to provide shelter and food to several species.
C) outline the effects of climate change on the subnivium.
D) draw an analogy between the effect of blankets on humans and of snow cover on species living in the subnivium.
Question: 1
All of the following statements are true EXCEPT
All of the following statements are true EXCEPT
Updated On: Sep 26, 2024
- Snow depth and snow density both influence the stability of the subnivium.
- Climate change has some positive effects on the subnivium.
- The subnivium maintains a steady temperature that can be 30 to 40 degrees warmer than the winter air temperature.
- Researchers have established the adverse effects of dwindling snow cover on the subnivium.
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The Correct Option is C
Solution and Explanation
The correct answer is (C):
(4) refers to an analogy, which by itself cannot be the purpose of the passage. (2) does not mention how the subnivium is compromised by climate change. (1) also occupies a safe orbit. Paragraph 5 comes to the point - refer to “Scientists are now beginning to explore how climate change will affect the subnivium”. Hence, (3) is the answer.
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Question: 2
Based on this extract, the author would support which one of the following actions?
Based on this extract, the author would support which one of the following actions?
Updated On: Jul 30, 2025
- The use of snow machines in .winter to ensure snow cover of at least eight inches.
- Government action to curb climate change.
- Adding nutrients to the soil in winter.
- Planting more shrubs in areas of short snow season.
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The Correct Option is B
Solution and Explanation
To determine which action the author would support, let's analyze the provided comprehension. The passage focuses on the impact of climate change on the subnivium, an important ecosystem that insulates plants and animals from harsh winter conditions. Key points include:
- The subnivium's stability and temperature are crucial for the survival of many species.
- Disruptions in the subnivium due to climate change can affect population dynamics and nutrient cycles.
- Snow depth and density are critical for maintaining the subnivium's insulative capacity.
- Warmer winters, due to climate change, could shorten the snow season, increasing snow density and reducing insulation.
Given these insights, the author's emphasis is on the negative effects of climate change on the subnivium, suggesting a pressing need to mitigate these impacts.
From the options provided:
- The use of snow machines in winter to ensure snow cover of at least eight inches.
- Government action to curb climate change.
- Adding nutrients to the soil in winter.
- Planting more shrubs in areas of short snow season.
The most aligned action, based on the author's focus, is "Government action to curb climate change." This option directly addresses the root cause of disturbances in the subnivium—climate change—by targeting necessary preventative measures at the governmental level.
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Question: 3
In paragraph 6, the author provides the examples of crowberry and alpine azalea to demonstrate that
In paragraph 6, the author provides the examples of crowberry and alpine azalea to demonstrate that
Updated On: Jul 30, 2025
- Despite frigid temperatures, several species survive in temperate and Arctic regions.
- Due to frigid temperatures in the temperate and Arctic regions., plant species that survive tend to be shrubs rather than trees.
- The crowberry and alpine azalea are abundant in temperate and Arctic regions.
- The stability of the subnivium depends on several interrelated factors, including shrubs on the forest floor.
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The Correct Option is B
Solution and Explanation
In paragraph 6, the author mentions shrubs like crowberry and alpine azalea specifically to illustrate that certain plant species can survive the frigid temperatures of temperate and Arctic regions because they tend to be shrubs rather than trees. The passage concludes with a detailed explanation of how shrubs strategically help retain snow and provide insulation crucial for the snowpack called the subnivium.
The choice: "Due to frigid temperatures in the temperate and Arctic regions, plant species that survive tend to be shrubs rather than trees.", comprehensively explains the author's intention to demonstrate that in harsh conditions, shrubs are more likely to survive than trees due to their interaction with the environment, specifically snow insulation.
The choice: "Due to frigid temperatures in the temperate and Arctic regions, plant species that survive tend to be shrubs rather than trees.", comprehensively explains the author's intention to demonstrate that in harsh conditions, shrubs are more likely to survive than trees due to their interaction with the environment, specifically snow insulation.
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Question: 4
Which one of the following statements can be inferred from the passage?
Which one of the following statements can be inferred from the passage?
Updated On: Jul 30, 2025
- In an ecosystem, altering any one element has a ripple effect on all others.
- Climate change affects temperate and Artie regions more than equatorial or arid ones.
- A compact layer of wool is warmer than a similarly compact layer of goose down.
- The loss of the subnivium, while tragic, will affect only temperate and Artie regions.
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The Correct Option is D
Solution and Explanation
The passage discusses the significance of the subnivium, an insulated area between the snowpack and the ground, which many organisms depend on during winter for survival. The subnivium is crucial for life in temperate and Arctic regions and any disruption to it due to climate change can impact these regions significantly. The options provided are:
- In an ecosystem, altering any one element has a ripple effect on all others.
- Climate change affects temperate and Arctic regions more than equatorial or arid ones.
- A compact layer of wool is warmer than a similarly compact layer of goose down.
- The loss of the subnivium, while tragic, will affect only temperate and Arctic regions.
Based on the passage, the correct inference is: "The loss of the subnivium, while tragic, will affect only temperate and Arctic regions." This is because the passage highlights that disruptions in the subnivium due to climate change will impact the ecosystem of temperate and Arctic regions. This context supports the given accurate statement.
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Question: 5
In paragraph 1, the author uses blankets as a device to
In paragraph 1, the author uses blankets as a device to
Updated On: Jul 30, 2025
- evoke the bitter cold of winter in the minds of readers.
- explain how blankets work to keep us warm.
- draw an analogy between blankets and the snowpack.
- alert readers to the fatal effects of excessive exposure to the cold.
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The Correct Option is A
Solution and Explanation
To determine the device used by the author in paragraph 1, we analyze how blankets are referenced in the passage. The paragraph describes the act of nestling under a blanket during the cold season, emphasizing the stark temperature contrast between the cocoon provided by the blanket and the harsh, cold environment outside. This imagery helps the reader feel the "bitter cold of winter" and the comforting refuge that blankets provide.
The correct choice is: evoke the bitter cold of winter in the minds of readers. This option aligns with the purpose of using blankets as an effective literary device in the paragraph, enhancing the reader's understanding and empathy towards the conditions described.
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