42. The word "they" in line 7 refers to
(A) oak forests
(B) acorns
(C) squirrels
(D) predators

38. It can be inferred that flood plains, deltas, and stream channels (lines 13-14) are similar in which of the following ways? (A) Animals rather than plants have been preserved at such locations. (B) Such locations are likely to be rich sources of fossils. (C) Fossilized human remains are only rarely found in such locations. (D) Rapid sedimentation in such locations makes it difficult to locate fossils.

39. What is the author's main point in paragraph 3? (A) Weathering makes it impossible to identify many fossils. (B) Many fossils have been buried forever under the soil. (C) Fossils provide a limited sample of ancient organisms. (D) It is easier to find the remains of plants than animals.

40. Why does the author mention "aragonite" in line 26 (A) To explain why fossils are rare (B) To compare aragonite fossils and calcite fossils (C) To argue that certain fossils are more informative than others (D) To illustrate the kinds of inorganic hard parts that can form fossils

41. What does the passage mainly discuss? (A) The ecology of oak trees (B) Factors that determine the feeding habits of Squirrels (C) Various species of animals that promote the dispersal of tree seeds (D) The relationship between squirrels and oak trees

43. According to the passage, what do squirrels do when large quantities of acorns are available? (A) They do not store acorns. (B) They eat more than 74 percent of available acorns. (C) They do not retrieve all the acorns that they have stored. (D) They hide acorns in tree cavities.

44. The word "estimated" in line 11 is closest in meaning to (A) commented (B) judged (C) observed (D) discovered

45. Why does the author mention “the University of Indiana campus" in line 10-11 (A) To provide evidence that intact acorns are hard to find under oak trees (B) To indicate a place where squirrels can aid seed dispersal of oaks (C) To argue in favor of additional studies concerning the destructive force of squirrels (D) To support the claim that squirrels can do great damage to oak stands

46. It can be inferred from paragraph 3 that chipmunks do not aid in the dispersal of oak trees because (A)they store their acorns where they cannot germinate (B) they consume most of their stored acorns (C) their stored acorns are located and consumed by other species (D) they cannot travel the long distance required for dispersal

47. According to the passage, which of the following do squirrels and blue jays have in common? (A) They travel long distances to obtain acorns. (B) They promote the reproduction of oak trees. (C) They bury acorns under fallen leaves. (D) They store large quantities of acorns.

48. The phrase “pry off" in line 21 is closest in meaning to (A) swallow (B) remove (C) squeeze (D) locate