PASSAGE 1 – Questions 1 – 10

What does the passage mainly discuss?

• The location of fossils in North America

• Determining the size and weight of fossils

• The composition of fossils

• Procedures for analyzing fossils

Why does the author compare fossils found in western Canada to those found in Florida?

• To prove that a fossil's age cannot be determined by the amount of mineralization.

• To discuss the large quantity of fossils found in both places

•  To suggest that fossils found in both places were the same age.

• To explain why scientists are especially interested in Canadian fossils

 What can be inferred about a fossil with a high degree of mineralization?

•  It was exposed to large amounts of mineral-laden water throughout time.

•  Mineralization was complete within one year of the animal's death.

• Many colorful crystals can be found in such a fossil.

• It was discovered in western Canada.

Why is fossilized bone heavier than ordinary bone?

• Bone tissue solidifies with age.

• The marrow cavity gradually fills with water

• The organic materials turn to stone

• Spaces within the bone fill with minerals.

The word "it" in paragraph 2 refers to _____.

• hydroxyapatite

• microscopic structure

• crystal structure

• modern bone

The word "pores" in paragraph 1 is closest in meaning to _____.

• joints

• tissues

• lines

• holes

The word "counterpart” in paragraph 1 is closest in meaning to _____.

• species

• version

• change

• material

The word "detectable" in paragraph 2 is closest in meaning to _____.

• sizable

• active

• moist

• apparent

Which of the following factors is most important in determining the extent of mineralization in fossil bones?

• The age of fossil

• Environmental conditions

• The location of the bone in the animal's body.

• The type of animal the bone came from

Which of the following does NOT survive in fossils?

• Non-collagen proteins

• Hydroxyapatite

• Collagen

• Amino acid