Command of Evidence: Textual

SAT Reading and Writing· difficulty 4/5

Paleontologist Dr. Reed claims that some early mammals were warm-blooded well before the extinction of the dinosaurs, contrary to the traditional view that mammalian warm-bloodedness arose only after dinosaurs declined.

Which finding, if true, would most strongly support Dr. Reed's claim?

  • A

    Bone microstructure of early mammal fossils dating to 100 million years ago shows growth patterns characteristic of warm-blooded animals.

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  • B

    Mammals diversified rapidly after the dinosaurs went extinct.

  • C

    Many modern mammals live in cold climates.

  • D

    Some dinosaurs are now thought to have been warm-blooded as well.

Explanation

A provides direct fossil evidence dating warm-bloodedness to the dinosaur era. B, C, and D are tangential.

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