Question 43·Easy·Command of Evidence
Depths at Which Four Deep-Sea Fish Species Live
| Species | Depth below the ocean surface |
|---|---|
| Footballfish | 200–1,000 meters |
| Southern stoplight loosejaw | 500–2,000 meters |
| Black seadevil | 250–2,000 meters |
| Bollons’ rattail | 300–800 meters |
Some oceanic fish species live very deep underwater. Researchers collected data about the depths at which various species live.
Based on the information in the table, at what depth does the southern stoplight loosejaw live?
For table-reading questions, always start by identifying the exact row (or column) that matches what the question is asking about—here, the named species. Then, read the relevant entry completely, paying attention to both endpoints of any range and the units. Finally, eliminate any answer choices that change, shorten, or extend that range; the correct option must match the table’s data exactly, with no numbers or limits altered.
Hints
Find the right species
Look carefully at the left column of the table and find the row that lists Southern stoplight loosejaw.
Focus on the matching depth information
Once you find the correct row, read the entire entry in the “Depth below the ocean surface” column for that species and note both the lower and upper numbers in the range.
Compare carefully with the options
Check which answer choice shows the same starting and ending depths as the range you found in the table for the southern stoplight loosejaw.
Step-by-step Explanation
Locate the correct row in the table
Find the row labeled “Southern stoplight loosejaw.” This row contains the information you need about the depth where that species lives.
Read the depth range from the table
In the “Depth below the ocean surface” column for the Southern stoplight loosejaw, note the full range of depths given (from the smallest number to the largest number). Keep that exact range in mind.
Match the table’s depth range to an answer choice
Compare the depth range you just read for the Southern stoplight loosejaw with each answer option. The only option that exactly matches the table’s range for this species is “500 to 2,000 meters below the surface.”