The Case of the Baffling Black Bloom

Which are true about the lab results? Select all that apply. (4G)

• The flower pigments did reflect some light.

• The flowers are invisible.

• Humans could not see them but animal could.

• The flower pigments did not reflect ultraviolet light.

• Neither insects nor animals could see them.

Part A: What is the focus of this informational text? (7Dii)

• An argument

• A mystery

• A process

• A description

Part B: Which evidence from the text supports your answer to Part A? (7Dii)

• "Flowers have evolved to be brightly colored to attract pollinators." (Paragraph 2)

• "Since that time, only one other botanist had reported any additional information." (Paragraph 3)

• "The case of the baffling black bloom started with one question: Is there such a thing as a black flower?" (Paragraph 1)

• "Kevan found that the flower pigments did not reflect any light--neither ultraviolet nor visible." (Paragraph 8)

The word botanic in paragraph 1 and botanist in paragraph 2 must be based on the root that means ​ (a)   (2C)

• plant
• life
• science
• garden

In paragraph 6, what are the best reasons why the three men were disappointed? Select all that apply. (5C)

• They did not know whether the black flowers exist outside of Mexico.

• They detected no scent in the plant.

• They did not know why there were no insects around.

• They did not know how the plant reproduces.

• They did not know from where the plant originated.

Which of these is the best clue to the meaning of pigments in paragraph 7? (2A)

Which of these statements should not be included in a summary of the lab results? Select all that apply. (5D)

• For the other flowers, pigments make up 1 to 2 percent of dry weight.

• I think the lab results are phenomenal.

• So high a percentage of pigmentation means that the flowers are invisible to pollinators.

• The flower's pigments absorb light.

• These lab results are the most important part of the article.

Which of these sentences from paragraph 11 expresses a speculation or theory? (4F)

• "When Nicholson made a second trip to Oaxaca, he was able to observe and capture several species of bees visiting the flowers during the day."

• "But, how the bees locate the black flowers remains unknown."

• "It's also not clear whether bees are the only pollinators, or even if pollination is limited to daylight hours."

• To attract nighttime pollinators, the flower could emit a scent after dark or radiate heat that was absorbed during the day."

Read the sentences below from the last paragraph of the article.

The author's tone is best described as ​ (a)   and ​ (b)   . (8F)

• playful
• amusing
• pessimistic
• serious
• confused