4

Set 10: Inferences (Advanced)

Explanation

Answer: C

PASSAGE

Many migratory bird species rely on daylight cues to trigger their seasonal migrations. However, climate change is causing spring temperatures to rise earlier in the year, leading insects—the primary food source for these birds—to hatch weeks earlier than usual. Since the birds' migration schedule remains fixed to daylight hours,

Which choice most logically completes the text?

A. the insect population will decrease due to overpredation by the birds.
B. the birds will adapt by switching to a different food source immediately.
C. the birds will arrive after the peak insect population has already passed, leading to food shortages.✓ Correct
D. the birds will likely arrive at their destination before the insect population has hatched.

Detailed Explanation

**Choice C is the best answer. ** The premises are: 1. Birds migrate based on light (fixed time). 2. Insects hatch earlier due to heat (variable time). Result: Insects hatch *before* birds arrive. Therefore, when birds finally arrive at the usual time, the insects have already hatched and maybe died or dispersed (peak passed). This creates a 'mismatch.' Choice D is the opposite (birds arrive early). Choice B is an assumption about adaptation which is not supported by the premise of 'fixed' schedule. Choice A is incorrect because the birds arrive *late*, so they miss the insects, meaning *under*-predation.

Key Evidence:

• "migration schedule remains fixed"

• "insects ... hatch weeks earlier"

Why others are wrong: D (Contradicts logic), B (Unsupported assumption), A (Contradicts logic).

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