SAT Reading & Writing · Central Ideas and Details
Researchers analyzing a century of bird observations found that several species now arrive at northern breeding grounds earlier in spring…
Researchers analyzing a century of bird observations found that several species now arrive at northern breeding grounds earlier in spring than they once did. The shift is strongest in years when temperatures rise early, but migration dates also vary with conditions thousands of kilometers away along the birds’ routes. The researchers therefore caution against treating local spring temperature as a complete explanation for the timing change.
Which choice best states the main idea of the text?
Which choice best states the main idea of the text?
Answer and explanation
Answer: D: Local spring warming is associated with earlier arrival, but migration timing also reflects conditions beyond the breeding grounds.
The passage establishes an association with local spring conditions and then explicitly limits a single-factor interpretation by adding conditions elsewhere along the route.
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