In the following passage, some words have been deleted. Read the passage carefully and select the most appropriate option to fill in each blank. Palaeontologists are like detectives who (1) ________ the evidence that (2) ______ animals left behind. Those clues to what dinosaurs were like are found in fossils - the ancient (3) _______ of an organism, such as teeth, bone or shell - or (4) _______ of animal activity, such as (5) ________ and trackways.
Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank number 3.
remains
Understanding the Passage and Filling Blank (3)
The passage describes the work of palaeontologists, comparing them to detectives who study clues left by ancient animals. These clues are fossils, which are defined in the passage. Blank (3) is part of the definition of fossils:
"fossils - the ancient (3) _______ of an organism, such as teeth, bone or shell"
We need to find the most appropriate word to describe the ancient physical parts of an organism that are preserved as fossils.
Analyzing the Options for Blank (3)
- memories: Fossils are physical evidence of past life, not recollections or thoughts. This word does not fit the context of physical remains like teeth, bone, or shell.
- fragments: While fossils are often found as fragments, the word "fragments" primarily means broken pieces. The definition here refers to the preserved parts themselves (teeth, bone, shell), which might be whole or fragmented. "Fragments" is too specific to broken pieces and not a general term for the preserved organismal material.
- remains: This word means the parts left after something has died or been used. It is a very common and accurate term used in biology, archaeology, and palaeontology to refer to the body parts of organisms preserved over time. Teeth, bone, and shell are indeed the remains of ancient organisms.
- leftovers: This word typically refers to remaining food from a meal or things left over after use. It is not a term used scientifically to describe ancient preserved biological material.
Selecting the Most Appropriate Word
Based on the analysis, the word that best fits the description of ancient teeth, bone, or shell that are preserved as fossils is "remains". This word is widely used in scientific contexts to describe such material.
Therefore, the completed phrase is: "the ancient remains of an organism, such as teeth, bone or shell".
Completing the Passage (Optional, for context)
Filling in the blanks based on the likely context:
Palaeontologists are like detectives who (1) examine the evidence that (2) ancient animals left behind. Those clues to what dinosaurs were like are found in fossils - the ancient (3) remains of an organism, such as teeth, bone or shell - or (4) traces of animal activity, such as (5) footprints and trackways.
Revision Table: Key Terms
| Term | Meaning in Context | Relevance to Passage |
| Palaeontologists | Scientists who study fossils | The main subject of the passage |
| Evidence / Clues | Information used to understand something | What palaeontologists look for (fossils) |
| Fossils | Preserved remains or traces of ancient organisms | The primary focus of the passage and blank (3) |
| Organism | An individual living thing | Fossils are the remains/traces of organisms |
| Remains | Physical parts left after death | Correct word for blank (3) |
| Traces / Trackways | Indirect evidence of life (e.g., footprints) | Another type of fossil evidence mentioned |
Additional Information: Types of Fossils
Fossils are not just the bones or shells of ancient life. Palaeontologists study different types of fossils to learn about Earth's history and the life that existed on it.
- Body Fossils: These are the preserved remains of the organism's body parts, such as bones, teeth, shells, leaves, or even entire organisms (like insects in amber). The passage specifically mentions teeth, bone, and shell, which are examples of body fossils or their fragments.
- Trace Fossils (Ichnofossils): These are not the remains of the organism itself but evidence of its activity while it was alive. Examples include footprints (like the trackways mentioned), burrows, nests, fossilized feces (coprolites), and tooth marks. These tell us about the behavior of ancient creatures.
- Chemical Fossils (Chemofossils): These are molecular fossils; detectable organic compounds that indicate the past presence of life.
Understanding these different types helps palaeontologists piece together the story of ancient ecosystems and the evolution of life.
Important Questions from Cloze Test
What would come in blank space (1)?
What would come in blank space (2)?
What would come in blank space (3)?
What would come in blank space (4)?
What would come in blank space (5)?
