The following text is from a science article about bird migration.
Birds navigate during migration using multiple cues. They orient by the sun during daytime and by star patterns at night. Earth's magnetic field provides additional directional information. Young birds appear to learn migration routes from experienced adults, combining innate abilities with learned knowledge.
Which choice best describes the function of the last sentence?
It summarizes or synthesizes the methods described earlier.
It contradicts the importance of celestial navigation.
It introduces a completely different type of animal.
It questions whether birds actually migrate.
Correct Answer: A
Choice A is the best answer. The last sentence synthesizes by showing how young birds combine "innate abilities" (earlier methods) with "learned knowledge" (from adults).
- Evidence: Earlier sentences list innate cues (sun, stars, magnetic field). The last sentence mentions "combining innate abilities with learned knowledge."
- Reasoning: This brings together the different navigation methods into a comprehensive explanation.
- Conclusion: The function is to synthesize the information.
💡 Strategy: Look for keywords like "combining" that suggest synthesis or summary.
Choice B is incorrect because celestial navigation isn't contradicted. Choice C is incorrect because the topic remains birds. Choice D is incorrect because migration is assumed, not questioned.