GRE Reading Comprehension

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Source: NO9

Zooplankton, tiny animals adapted to an existence in the ocean, have evolved clever mechanisms for obtaining their food, miniscule phytoplankton (plant plankton). A very specialized feeding adaptation in zooplankton is that of the tadpolelike appendicularian who lives in a walnut-sized (or smaller) balloon of mucus equipped with filters that capture and concentrate phytoplankton. The balloon, a transparent structure that varies in design according to the 　　type of appendicularian inhabiting it, also protects the animal and helps to keep it afloat. Water containing phytoplankton is pumped by the appendicularian's muscular tail into the balloon's incurrent filters, passes through the feeding filter where the appendicularian sucks the food into its mouth, and then goes through an exit passage. Found in all the oceans of the world, including the Arctic Ocean, appendicularians tend to remain near the water's surface where the density of phytoplankton is greatest.

Question List: 1 2 3 4

The author is primarily concerned with

  • A explaining how appendicularians obtain food
  • B examining the flotation methods of appendicularians
  • C mapping the distribution of appendicualrians around the world
  • D describing how appendicularians differ from other zooplankton
  • E comparing the various types of balloons formed by appendicularians

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