Question 31·Easy·Inferences
While observing gray squirrels in a city park, biologist Katrin Schmidt noticed two distinct behaviors. When a squirrel was alone, it buried an acorn quickly and then left the area. When other squirrels were nearby, however, the burying squirrel sometimes dug several shallow holes, pretended to place an acorn in each, and finally hid the acorn in only one of the holes before covering all of them.
Schmidt concluded that this difference in behavior indicates that the squirrels ______
Which choice most logically completes the text?
For “Most logically completes the text” inference questions, first underline the key contrast or cause-and-effect in the passage (here, behavior when alone vs. when other squirrels are nearby). Ask what purpose the described behavior serves, using any strong clue words (such as “pretended”). Then quickly eliminate choices that (1) introduce new, unsupported ideas, or (2) fail to explain the specific change described. The correct answer will restate the logical conclusion the author or researcher could draw directly from the given evidence, without adding extra assumptions.
Hints
Focus on the contrast
Look closely at what changes between when the squirrel is alone and when other squirrels are nearby. What is different about how it buries the acorn?
Think about the presence of other squirrels
Ask yourself: Why would the squirrel behave differently when other squirrels are around? What problem could other squirrels create?
Interpret the word “pretended”
The passage says the squirrel "pretended" to place an acorn in several holes. What does pretending suggest about the squirrel’s intention?
Check whether each option matches the observations
For each answer, ask: Does this explain the fake holes and the quick, simple burying when alone, without adding new information not mentioned in the passage?
Step-by-step Explanation
Compare the two situations described
First, carefully note the contrast in the passage:
- When a squirrel is alone: it buries an acorn quickly and leaves.
- When other squirrels are nearby: it digs several shallow holes, pretends to put an acorn in each, then actually hides the acorn in only one hole but covers all of them.
Any correct answer must explain why behavior changes specifically when other squirrels are present.
Identify what the change in behavior suggests
Ask: What is the purpose of digging many holes and pretending to bury an acorn in each when others are watching?
Key clue: the squirrel pretends to place the acorn in each hole but actually uses only one. That means the extra holes are misleading “fake” spots. This implies a deliberate strategy related to the presence of other squirrels, not to soil, memory, or food supply.
Eliminate choices that introduce new or unsupported ideas
Check each answer against the passage:
- If an answer mentions something not in the text (like soil preference or acorn abundance), it is likely wrong.
- If an answer does not explain why the behavior changes when other squirrels are nearby, it is also likely wrong.
Focus on the choice that both:
- Explains the pretend burying and multiple holes, and
- Directly connects to the presence of other squirrels.
Choose the option that explains the deceptive behavior
Only choice D—"create decoy caches to reduce the likelihood that other squirrels will locate their real food stash"—fits the evidence:
- The multiple, fake holes are decoys.
- The purpose is to keep other squirrels from finding the real acorn.
So the correct answer is D.