SAT Reading and Writing Practice Question #355 (Hard (800)) | Test Citadel
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SAT Reading and Writing Difficulty: Hard (800)

Digital SAT Reading and Writing Practice Question #355

Test your problem-solving accuracy on this official-caliber item. Select an answer choice to check your reasoning instantly.

Evolutionary biologist Dr. Aris Lin hypothesized that a specific species of island-dwelling lizard evolved a darker scale pigmentation primarily to absorb more thermal energy from sunlight, thereby compensating for the island's unusually cool microclimate. Lin bases this conclusion on his field observations, which demonstrate that the darker-scaled lizards in the population maintain significantly higher average basal body temperatures than their lighter-scaled counterparts. Which finding, if true, would most directly weaken Dr. Lin's hypothesis?
Select Your Answer:
Socratic AI Engine Step-by-Step Derivation
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Tactical Insight (Hint 1)

Pinpoint the exact author claim or researcher hypothesis first. The correct option must provide direct empirical backing without overstepping scope.

Elimination Framework (Hint 2)

Elimination Strategy: In digital reading/writing, 3 out of 4 choices contain an active flaw (half-right/half-wrong, too extreme, or wrong transition type). Cross out options with absolute words like "always", "proves", or "never".

Masterclass Solution & Distractor Trap Analysis

To weaken a scientific hypothesis on the SAT, you usually need to find an answer that provides an *alternative explanation* for the observed data, thereby severing the assumed causal link. Let's break down Dr. Lin's logic: Observation: Dark...

Distractor Analysis: Trap choice eliminates careless test-takers who confuse roots with coordinates...

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