27. The word "outstanding" in line 14 is closest in meaning to
(A) extensive
(B) surprising
(C) vertical
(D) excellent

23. The passage supports which of the following conclusions? (A) Some species of ichthyosaurs decayed more rapidly than other species. (B) Ichthyosaur newborns are smaller than other newborn marine reptiles. (C) Ichthyosaurs were more advanced than terrestrial creatures. (D) Ichthyosaurs may have gathered at Holzmaden to give birth.

24. The word "they" in line 3 refers to (A) skeletons (B) scavengers (C) creatures (D) environments

25. All of the following are mentioned as factors that encourage fossilization EXCEPT the (A) speed of burial (B) conditions of the water (C) rate at which soft tissues decay (D) cause of death of the animal.

26. Which of the following is true of the fossil deposits discussed in the passage? (A) They include examples of newly discovered species. (B) They contain large numbers of well-preserved specimens (C) They are older than fossils found in other places (D) They have been analyzed more carefully than other fossils.

28. The word "site" in line 17 is closest in meaning to (A) example (B) location (C) development (D) characteristic

29. Why does the author mention the specimen preserved in the birth canal (line 19)? (A) To illustrate that the embryo fossils are quite advanced in their development (B) To explain why the fossils are well preserved (C) To indicate how the ichthyosaurs died (D) To prove that ichthyosaurs are marine animals.

30. The word "they" in line 22 refers to (A) pregnant females and young (B) quarry operations (C) the value of the fossils (D) these factors

31.The phrase "account for" in line 25 is closest in meaning to (A) record (B) describe (C) equal (D) explain

32.Which of the following best expresses the relationship between the first and second paragraphs? (A) The first paragraph describes a place while the second paragraph describes a field of study. (B) The first paragraph defines the terms that are used in the second paragraph. (C) The second paragraph describes a specific instance of the general topic discussed in the first paragraph. (D) The second paragraph presents information that contrasts with the information given in the first paragraph.

33.Where in the passage does the author mentions the variety of fossils found at Holzmaden? (A) Line 1 (B) Lines 3-5 (C) Lines 12-13 (D) Lines 19-21