These questions test your ability to recognize how the passage is organized and understand the relationships among facts and ideas in different parts of the passage. | TOEFL iBT Reading Correct Choices Choice 1 Recent discoveries of fossils have helped to show the link between land mammals and cetaceans is correct because it represents the major idea of the entire passage. The bulk of the passage consists of a discussion of the major discoveries Pakicetus Basilosaurus and Ambulocetus that show this link. Choice 2 The discovery of Ambulocetus natans provided evidence for a whale that lived both on land and at sea is correct because it is one of the major discoveries cited in the passage in support of the passage s main point that land mammals and cetaceans are related. Choice 5 Fossils thought to be transitional forms between walking mammals and swimming whales were found is correct because like choice 1 this is a statement of the passage s major theme as stated in paragraph 1 these fossils were clearly intermediate or transitional between land mammals and cetaceans. The remainder of the passage discusses these discoveries. Incorrect Choices Choice 3 The skeleton of Basilosaurus was found in what had been the Tethys Sea an area rich in fossil evidence is true but it is a minor detail and therefore incorrect. Choice 4 Pakicetus is the oldest fossil whale yet to be found is true but it is a minor detail and therefore incorrect. Choice 6 Ambulocetus hind legs were used for propulsion in the water is true but it is a minor detail and therefore incorrect. 68 69 TOEFL iBT Reading Firewood is the chief fuel used for cooking and heating in many countries. The increased pressures of expanding populations have led to the removal of woody plants so that many cities and towns are surrounded by large areas completely lacking in trees and shrubs. The increasing use of dried animal waste as a substitute fuel has also hurt the soil because this valuable soil conditioner and source of plant nutrients is no longer being returned to the land. The final major human cause of desertification is soil salinization resulting from overirrigation. Excess .
