SAT question 190857f0 (Text Structure And Purpose)

Question

Why do sand cats purr but lions roar? Researchers hypothesize that this difference between the two feline species may be partly due to a U-shaped bone in their throats called the hyoid. Sand cats, which are much smaller than lions, have a rigid hyoid that rumbles when the cat’s larynx vibrates, resulting in a purr. By contrast, lions have a somewhat flexible hyoid, and the bone is attached to the skull with a stretchy ligament that sand cats lack. These traits allow lions and most other species of big cats to produce powerful roars. The same traits may also prevent most big cats from purring. Which choice best describes the overall structure of the text?

College Board · Accepted Answer

The correct answer is D. Choice D is the best answer because it best describes the overall structure of the text. The text begins by posing a question about two different cat species: "Why do sand cats purr but lions roar?" The remainder of the text then presents a possible answer to this question by explaining a hypothesis about differences in these cats’ hyoid bone structure. The text details how sand cats have rigid hyoids that produce purring sounds when their larynx vibrates, while lions have more flexible hyoids attached to the skull with a stretchy ligament that enables roaring but may prevent purring.

Explanation

Why the other choices are wrong

SAT Question 190857f0: Text Structure And Purpose answer and explanation

Explanation

Why the other choices are wrong