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Practice Reading: Multiple Choice, Single Answer ID: #39465 The fossil
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Read the text and answer the multiple-choice question by selecting the correct response. Only one response is correct.
The fossil consists of a complete skull of an archaeocyte, an extinct group of ancestors of modern cetaceans. Although limited to a skull, the Pakicetus fossil provides precious details on the origins of cetaceans. The skull is cetacean-like but its jawbones lack the enlarged space that is filled with fat or oil and used for receiving underwater sound in modern whales. Pakicetus probably detected sound through the ear opening as in land mammals. The skull also lacks a blowhole, another cetacean adaptation for diving. Other features, however, show experts that Pakicetus is a transitional form between a group of extinct flesh-eating mammals, the mesonychids, and cetaceans. It has been suggested that Pakicetus fed on fish in shallow water and was not yet adapted for life in the open ocean. It prob ably bred and gave birth on land.

The word “ precious ” in the passage is closest in meaning to

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Option 3: "valuable"

Explanation: The word 'precious' in the passage indicates that the fossil provides important and valuable information about the origins of cetaceans. This aligns perfectly with the meaning of 'valuable,' which denotes worth or significance. Therefore, this option is the correct choice.

Option 1: "exact"

Explanation: The term 'exact' refers to something that is precise or accurate. In the context of the passage, the word 'precious' conveys a sense of value or importance, which is not synonymous with 'exact.' Therefore, this option does not fit the meaning intended in the text.

Option 2: "scarce"

Explanation: The word 'scarce' means something that is in short supply or not easily available. While the fossil may be rare, the term 'precious' emphasizes its value rather than its availability. Thus, this option does not accurately reflect the meaning of 'precious' in the passage.

Option 4: "initial"

Explanation: The term 'initial' refers to something that occurs at the beginning or first stage. This does not relate to the meaning of 'precious,' which implies worth or importance. Hence, this option does not match the intended meaning in the text.

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