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TPO 9-3 The Arrival of Plant Life in Hawaii

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  1. emerge
    come out into view, as from concealment
    When the Hawaiian Islands emerged from the sea as volcanoes, starting about five million years ago, they were far removed from other landmasses.
  2. volcano
    a fissure in the earth's crust through which gases erupt
    When the Hawaiian Islands emerged from the sea as volcanoes, starting about five million years ago, they were far removed from other landmasses.
  3. removed
    separate or apart in time, space, or character
    When the Hawaiian Islands emerged from the sea as volcanoes, starting about five million years ago, they were far removed from other landmasses.
  4. blaze
    a strong flame that burns brightly
    Then, as blazing sunshine alternated with drenching rains, the harsh, barren surfaces of the black rocks slowly began to soften.
  5. alternate
    go back and forth
    Then, as blazing sunshine alternated with drenching rains, the harsh, barren surfaces of the black rocks slowly began to soften.
  6. harsh
    disagreeable to the senses
    Then, as blazing sunshine alternated with drenching rains, the harsh, barren surfaces of the black rocks slowly began to soften.
  7. barren
    completely wanting or lacking
    Then, as blazing sunshine alternated with drenching rains, the harsh, barren surfaces of the black rocks slowly began to soften.
  8. surface
    the outer boundary of an artifact or a material layer
    Then, as blazing sunshine alternated with drenching rains, the harsh, barren surfaces of the black rocks slowly began to soften.
  9. variety
    a category of things distinguished by a common quality
    Winds brought a variety of life-forms.
  10. float
    be on or below a liquid surface and not sink to the bottom
    Spores light enough to float on the breezes were carried thousands of miles from more ancient lands and deposited at random across the bare mountain flanks.
  11. ancient
    belonging to times long past
    Spores light enough to float on the breezes were carried thousands of miles from more ancient lands and deposited at random across the bare mountain flanks.
  12. random
    lacking any definite plan or order or purpose
    Spores light enough to float on the breezes were carried thousands of miles from more ancient lands and deposited at random across the bare mountain flanks.
  13. flank
    the side between ribs and hipbone
    Spores light enough to float on the breezes were carried thousands of miles from more ancient lands and deposited at random across the bare mountain flanks.
  14. forbid
    command against
    A few of these spores found a toehold on the dark, forbidding rocks and grew and began to work their transformation upon the land.
  15. transformation
    the act of changing in form or shape or appearance
    A few of these spores found a toehold on the dark, forbidding rocks and grew and began to work their transformation upon the land.
  16. lichen
    a plant occurring in crusty patches on tree trunks or rocks
    Lichens were probably the first successful flora.
  17. probably
    with considerable certainty; without much doubt
    Lichens were probably the first successful flora.
  18. successful
    having succeeded or being marked by a favorable outcome
    Lichens were probably the first successful flora.
  19. flora
    all the plant life in a particular region or period
    Lichens were probably the first successful flora.
  20. individual
    being or characteristic of a single thing or person
    These are not single individual plants; each one is a symbiotic combination of an alga and a fungus.
  21. symbiotic
    of organisms living together, especially to mutual advantage
    These are not single individual plants; each one is a symbiotic combination of an alga and a fungus.
  22. combination
    the act of bringing things together to form a new whole
    These are not single individual plants; each one is a symbiotic combination of an alga and a fungus.
  23. algae
    primitive chlorophyll-containing aquatic organisms
    The algae capture the sun's energy by photosynthesis and store it in organic molecules.
  24. capture
    seize as if by hunting, snaring, or trapping
    The algae capture the sun's energy by photosynthesis and store it in organic molecules.
  25. energy
    forceful exertion
    The algae capture the sun's energy by photosynthesis and store it in organic molecules.
  26. photosynthesis
    formation of compounds in plants aided by radiant energy
    The algae capture the sun's energy by photosynthesis and store it in organic molecules.
  27. store
    a mercantile establishment for the sale of goods or services
    The algae capture the sun's energy by photosynthesis and store it in organic molecules.
  28. organic
    having properties characteristic of living beings
    The algae capture the sun's energy by photosynthesis and store it in organic molecules.
  29. molecule
    the simplest structural unit of an element or compound
    The algae capture the sun's energy by photosynthesis and store it in organic molecules.
  30. absorb
    take in a liquid
    The fungi absorb moisture and mineral salts from the rocks, passing these on in waste products that nourish algae.
  31. moisture
    wetness caused by water
    The fungi absorb moisture and mineral salts from the rocks, passing these on in waste products that nourish algae.
  32. mineral
    a solid inorganic substance occurring in nature
    The fungi absorb moisture and mineral salts from the rocks, passing these on in waste products that nourish algae.
  33. product
    an artifact that has been created by someone or some process
    The fungi absorb moisture and mineral salts from the rocks, passing these on in waste products that nourish algae.
  34. nourish
    provide with sustenance
    The fungi absorb moisture and mineral salts from the rocks, passing these on in waste products that nourish algae.
  35. significant
    rich in implication
    It is significant that the earliest living thing that built communities on these islands are examples of symbiosis, a phenomenon that depends upon the close cooperation of two or more forms of life and a principle that is very important in island communities.
  36. community
    a group of people living in a particular local area
    It is significant that the earliest living thing that built communities on these islands are examples of symbiosis, a phenomenon that depends upon the close cooperation of two or more forms of life and a principle that is very important in island communities.
  37. example
    an item of information that is typical of a class or group
    It is significant that the earliest living thing that built communities on these islands are examples of symbiosis, a phenomenon that depends upon the close cooperation of two or more forms of life and a principle that is very important in island communities.
  38. symbiosis
    the relation between two interdependent species of organisms
    It is significant that the earliest living thing that built communities on these islands are examples of symbiosis, a phenomenon that depends upon the close cooperation of two or more forms of life and a principle that is very important in island communities.
  39. phenomenon
    any state or process known through the senses
    It is significant that the earliest living thing that built communities on these islands are examples of symbiosis, a phenomenon that depends upon the close cooperation of two or more forms of life and a principle that is very important in island communities.
  40. depend
    be determined by something else
    It is significant that the earliest living thing that built communities on these islands are examples of symbiosis, a phenomenon that depends upon the close cooperation of two or more forms of life and a principle that is very important in island communities.
  41. cooperation
    the practice of working together on a common enterprise
    It is significant that the earliest living thing that built communities on these islands are examples of symbiosis, a phenomenon that depends upon the close cooperation of two or more forms of life and a principle that is very important in island communities.
  42. principle
    a basic generalization that is accepted as true
    It is significant that the earliest living thing that built communities on these islands are examples of symbiosis, a phenomenon that depends upon the close cooperation of two or more forms of life and a principle that is very important in island communities.
  43. speed
    a rate at which something happens
    Lichens helped to speed the decomposition of the hard rock surfaces, preparing a soft bed of soil that was abundantly supplied with minerals that had been carried in the molten rock from the bowels of Earth.
  44. decomposition
    the organic phenomenon of rotting
    Lichens helped to speed the decomposition of the hard rock surfaces, preparing a soft bed of soil that was abundantly supplied with minerals that had been carried in the molten rock from the bowels of Earth.
  45. prepare
    make ready or suitable or equip in advance
    Lichens helped to speed the decomposition of the hard rock surfaces, preparing a soft bed of soil that was abundantly supplied with minerals that had been carried in the molten rock from the bowels of Earth.
  46. soil
    material in the top layer of the surface of the earth
    Lichens helped to speed the decomposition of the hard rock surfaces, preparing a soft bed of soil that was abundantly supplied with minerals that had been carried in the molten rock from the bowels of Earth.
  47. supply
    circulate or distribute or equip with
    Lichens helped to speed the decomposition of the hard rock surfaces, preparing a soft bed of soil that was abundantly supplied with minerals that had been carried in the molten rock from the bowels of Earth.
  48. molten
    reduced to liquid form by heating
    Lichens helped to speed the decomposition of the hard rock surfaces, preparing a soft bed of soil that was abundantly supplied with minerals that had been carried in the molten rock from the bowels of Earth.
  49. flourish
    grow vigorously
    Now, other forms of life could take hold: ferns and mosses (two of the most ancient types of land plants) that flourish even in rock crevices.
  50. crevice
    a long narrow opening
    Now, other forms of life could take hold: ferns and mosses (two of the most ancient types of land plants) that flourish even in rock crevices.
  51. tiny
    very small
    These plants propagate by producing spores–tiny fertilized cells that contain all the instructions for making a new plant–but the spore are unprotected by any outer coating and carry no supply of nutrient.
  52. cell
    the basic structural and functional unit of all organisms
    These plants propagate by producing spores–tiny fertilized cells that contain all the instructions for making a new plant–but the spore are unprotected by any outer coating and carry no supply of nutrient.
  53. contain
    hold or have within
    These plants propagate by producing spores–tiny fertilized cells that contain all the instructions for making a new plant–but the spore are unprotected by any outer coating and carry no supply of nutrient.
  54. instructions
    a manual explaining how to install or operate a device
    These plants propagate by producing spores–tiny fertilized cells that contain all the instructions for making a new plant–but the spore are unprotected by any outer coating and carry no supply of nutrient.
  55. nutrient
    any substance that can be metabolized to give energy
    These plants propagate by producing spores–tiny fertilized cells that contain all the instructions for making a new plant–but the spore are unprotected by any outer coating and carry no supply of nutrient.
  56. vast
    unusually great in size or amount or extent or scope
    Vast numbers of them fall on the ground beneath the mother plants.
  57. settle
    become resolved, fixed, established, or quiet
    But only those few spores that settle down in very favorable locations can start new life; the vast majority fall on barren ground.
  58. favorable
    encouraging or approving or pleasing
    But only those few spores that settle down in very favorable locations can start new life; the vast majority fall on barren ground.
  59. location
    the act of putting something in a certain place
    But only those few spores that settle down in very favorable locations can start new life; the vast majority fall on barren ground.
  60. majority
    the main part
    But only those few spores that settle down in very favorable locations can start new life; the vast majority fall on barren ground.
  61. sheer
    so thin as to transmit light
    By force of sheer numbers, however, the mosses and ferns reached Hawaii, survived, and multiplied.
  62. survive
    continue in existence after
    By force of sheer numbers, however, the mosses and ferns reached Hawaii, survived, and multiplied.
  63. species
    taxonomic group whose members can interbreed
    Some species developed great size, becoming tree ferns that even now grow in the Hawaiian forests.
  64. develop
    progress or evolve through a process of natural growth
    Some species developed great size, becoming tree ferns that even now grow in the Hawaiian forests.
  65. evolve
    undergo development
    Many millions of years after ferns evolved (but long before the Hawaiian Islands were born from the sea), another kind of flora evolved on Earth: the seed-bearing plants.
  66. bearing
    characteristic way of holding one's body
    Many millions of years after ferns evolved (but long before the Hawaiian Islands were born from the sea), another kind of flora evolved on Earth: the seed-bearing plants.
  67. wonderful
    extraordinarily good or great
    This was a wonderful biological invention.
  68. biological
    pertaining to life and living things
    This was a wonderful biological invention.
  69. invention
    the act of making something new
    This was a wonderful biological invention.
  70. surround
    extend on all sides of simultaneously; encircle
    The seed has an outer coating that surrounds the genetic material of the new plant, and inside this covering is a concentrated supply of nutrients.
  71. genetic
    relating to the study of heredity and variation in organisms
    The seed has an outer coating that surrounds the genetic material of the new plant, and inside this covering is a concentrated supply of nutrients.
  72. material
    the substance that goes into the makeup of a physical object
    The seed has an outer coating that surrounds the genetic material of the new plant, and inside this covering is a concentrated supply of nutrients.
  73. concentrated
    gathered together or made less diffuse
    The seed has an outer coating that surrounds the genetic material of the new plant, and inside this covering is a concentrated supply of nutrients.
  74. survival
    the state of remaining alive
    Thus the seed’s chances of survival are greatly enhanced over those of the naked spore.
  75. enhanced
    increased or intensified in value or beauty or quality
    Thus the seed’s chances of survival are greatly enhanced over those of the naked spore.
  76. include
    have as a part; be made up out of
    One type of seed-bearing plant, the angiosperm, includes all forms of blooming vegetation.
  77. additional
    further or extra
    In the angiosperm the seeds are wrapped in an additional layer of covering.
  78. layer
    a single thickness of some substance or material
    In the angiosperm the seeds are wrapped in an additional layer of covering.
  79. protection
    the activity of shielding someone or something
    Some of these coats are hard–like the shell of a nut–for extra protection.
  80. equipped
    provided with whatever is necessary for a purpose
    In some angiosperms the seeds are equipped with gossamer wings, like the dandelion and milkweed seeds.
  81. gossamer
    a gauze fabric with an extremely fine texture
    In some angiosperms the seeds are equipped with gossamer wings, like the dandelion and milkweed seeds.
  82. characteristic
    typical or distinctive
    These new characteristics offered better ways for the seed to move to new habitats.
  83. habitat
    the type of environment in which an organism normally lives
    These new characteristics offered better ways for the seed to move to new habitats.
  84. dormant
    inactive but capable of becoming active
    They could travel through the air, float in water, and lie dormant for many months.
  85. buoyant
    tending to float on a liquid or rise in air or gas
    Plants with large, buoyant seeds—like coconuts—drift on ocean currents and are washed up on the shores.
  86. drift
    be in motion due to some air or water current
    Plants with large, buoyant seeds—like coconuts—drift on ocean currents and are washed up on the shores.
  87. current
    occurring in or belonging to the present time
    Plants with large, buoyant seeds—like coconuts—drift on ocean currents and are washed up on the shores.
  88. vicissitude
    a variation in circumstances or fortune
    Remarkably resistant to the vicissitudes of ocean travel, they can survive prolonged immersion in saltwater when they come to rest on warm beaches and the conditions are favorable, the seed coats soften.
  89. prolonged
    relatively long in duration; tediously protracted
    Remarkably resistant to the vicissitudes of ocean travel, they can survive prolonged immersion in saltwater when they come to rest on warm beaches and the conditions are favorable, the seed coats soften.
  90. immersion
    the act of wetting something by submerging it
    Remarkably resistant to the vicissitudes of ocean travel, they can survive prolonged immersion in saltwater when they come to rest on warm beaches and the conditions are favorable, the seed coats soften.
  91. condition
    a mode of being or form of existence of a person or thing
    Remarkably resistant to the vicissitudes of ocean travel, they can survive prolonged immersion in saltwater when they come to rest on warm beaches and the conditions are favorable, the seed coats soften.
  92. import
    bring in from abroad
    Nourished by their imported supply of nutrients, the young plants push out their roots and establish their place in the sun.
  93. establish
    set up or found
    Nourished by their imported supply of nutrients, the young plants push out their roots and establish their place in the sun.
  94. isolated
    remote and separate physically or socially
    By means of these seeds, plants spread more widely to new locations, even to isolated islands like the Hawaiian archipelago, which lies more than 2,000 miles west of California and 3,500 miles east of Japan.
  95. archipelago
    a group of many islands in a large body of water
    By means of these seeds, plants spread more widely to new locations, even to isolated islands like the Hawaiian archipelago, which lies more than 2,000 miles west of California and 3,500 miles east of Japan.
  96. simple
    having few parts; not complex or complicated or involved
    (Grasses are simple forms of angiosperms that bear their encapsulated seeds on long stalks.)
  97. encapsulate
    enclose in or as if in a small container
    (Grasses are simple forms of angiosperms that bear their encapsulated seeds on long stalks.)
  98. area
    the extent of a two-dimensional surface within a boundary
    In a surprisingly short time, angiosperms filled many of the land areas on Hawaii that had been bare.
  99. paragraph
    one of several distinct subdivisions of a text
    Paragraph 2: Spores light enough to float on the breezes were carried thousands of miles from more ancient lands and deposited at random across the bare mountain flanks.
  100. phrase
    an expression consisting of one or more words
    The phrase “at random” in the passage is closest in meaning to ○finally ○over a long period of time ○successfully ○without a definite pattern 2.
  101. passage
    the act of moving from one state or place to the next
    The phrase “at random” in the passage is closest in meaning to ○finally ○over a long period of time ○successfully ○without a definite pattern 2.
  102. meaning
    the message that is intended or expressed or signified
    The phrase “at random” in the passage is closest in meaning to ○finally ○over a long period of time ○successfully ○without a definite pattern 2.
  103. period
    an amount of time
    The phrase “at random” in the passage is closest in meaning to ○finally ○over a long period of time ○successfully ○without a definite pattern 2.
  104. successfully
    in a manner marked by a favorable outcome
    The phrase “at random” in the passage is closest in meaning to ○finally ○over a long period of time ○successfully ○without a definite pattern 2.
  105. definite
    precise; explicit and clearly defined
    The phrase “at random” in the passage is closest in meaning to ○finally ○over a long period of time ○successfully ○without a definite pattern 2.
  106. pattern
    a repeated design, structure, or arrangement
    The phrase “at random” in the passage is closest in meaning to ○finally ○over a long period of time ○successfully ○without a definite pattern 2.
  107. infer
    conclude by reasoning
    It can be inferred from paragraph 2 that the fungi in lichens benefit from their symbiotic relationship with algae in what way?
  108. benefit
    something that aids or promotes well-being
    It can be inferred from paragraph 2 that the fungi in lichens benefit from their symbiotic relationship with algae in what way?
  109. relationship
    a mutual connection between people
    It can be inferred from paragraph 2 that the fungi in lichens benefit from their symbiotic relationship with algae in what way?
  110. protect
    shield from danger, injury, destruction, or damage
    ○The algae protect the fungi from the Sun's radiation.
  111. radiation
    the act of spreading outward from a central source
    ○The algae protect the fungi from the Sun's radiation.
  112. provide
    give something useful or necessary to
    ○The algae provide the fungi with greater space for absorbing water.
  113. presence
    current existence
    ○The fungi produce less waste in the presence of algae.
  114. sentence
    a string of words satisfying grammatical rules of a language
    Which of the sentences below best expresses the essential information in the highlighted sentence in the passage?
  115. essential
    basic and fundamental
    Which of the sentences below best expresses the essential information in the highlighted sentence in the passage?
  116. highlight
    an area of brightness in a picture
    Which of the sentences below best expresses the essential information in the highlighted sentence in the passage?
  117. occur
    come to pass
    ○Some of the earliest important examples of symbiosis—the close cooperation of two or more living things—occur in island communities.
  118. organism
    a living thing that can act or function independently
    ○Symbiosis—the close cooperation of pairs or small groups of living organisms—is especially important in these island environments.
  119. environment
    the totality of surrounding conditions
    ○Symbiosis—the close cooperation of pairs or small groups of living organisms—is especially important in these island environments.
  120. particularly
    to a distinctly greater extent or degree than is common
    ○The first organisms on these islands worked together closely in a relationship known as symbiosis, which is particularly important on islands.
  121. development
    a process in which something passes to a different stage
    ○It is significant to note that organisms in the beginning stages of the development of island life cannot survive without close cooperation.
  122. occasionally
    now and then or here and there
    The word “abundantly” in the passage is closest in meaning to ○occasionally ○plentifully ○usefully ○fortunately 5.
  123. accord
    concurrence of opinion
    According to paragraph 3, what was the relationship between lichens and ferns in the development of plant life on Hawaii?
  124. create
    bring into existence
    ○Ferns were able to grow because lichens created suitable soil.
  125. suitable
    meant or adapted for an occasion or use
    ○Ferns were able to grow because lichens created suitable soil.
  126. compete
    engage in a contest or measure oneself against others
    ○Lichens and ferns competed to grow in the same rocky environments.
  127. creation
    the act of starting something for the first time
    The word “This” in the passage refers to ○the spread of ferns and mosses in Hawaii ○the creation of the Hawaiian Islands ○the evolution of ferns ○the development of plants that produce seeds 8.
  128. evolution
    sequence of events involved in the development of a species
    The word “This” in the passage refers to ○the spread of ferns and mosses in Hawaii ○the creation of the Hawaiian Islands ○the evolution of ferns ○the development of plants that produce seeds 8.
  129. receive
    get something; come into possession of
    To receive credit, you must select TWO answer choices.
  130. select
    pick out or choose from a number of alternatives
    To receive credit, you must select TWO answer choices.
  131. mature
    having reached full natural growth or development
    ○Seeds need less water to grow into a mature plant than spores do.
  132. rely
    have confidence or faith in
    ○Seeds do not need to rely on outside sources of nutrients.
  133. source
    the place where something begins
    ○Seeds do not need to rely on outside sources of nutrients.
  134. environmental
    of or relating to the external conditions or surroundings
    ○Seeds are better protected from environmental dangers than spores are.
  135. likely
    having a good chance of being the case or of coming about
    ○Seeds are heavier than spores and are therefore more likely to take root and grow.
  136. author
    a person who writes professionally
    Why does the author mention “a nut”, “a peach”, and “a cherry”?
  137. mention
    make reference to
    Why does the author mention “a nut”, “a peach”, and “a cherry”?
  138. indicate
    designate a place, direction, person, or thing
    ○To indicate that some seeds are less likely to survive than others
  139. illustrate
    depict with a visual representation
    ○To illustrate the variety of coverings among angiosperm seeds 10.
  140. preserve
    keep in safety and protect from harm, loss, or destruction
    The word “dormant” in the passage is closest in meaning to ○hidden ○inactive ○underground ○preserved
  141. major
    greater in scope or effect
    According to paragraph 5, a major reason that coconuts can establish themselves in distant locations is that their seeds can ○survive long exposure to heat on island beaches ○float and survive for long periods in ocean water ○use saltwater for maintenance and growth ○maintain hard, protective coats even after growing roots 12.
  142. distant
    separated in space or coming from far away
    According to paragraph 5, a major reason that coconuts can establish themselves in distant locations is that their seeds can ○survive long exposure to heat on island beaches ○float and survive for long periods in ocean water ○use saltwater for maintenance and growth ○maintain hard, protective coats even after growing roots 12.
  143. exposure
    the state of being exposed to harm
    According to paragraph 5, a major reason that coconuts can establish themselves in distant locations is that their seeds can ○survive long exposure to heat on island beaches ○float and survive for long periods in ocean water ○use saltwater for maintenance and growth ○maintain hard, protective coats even after growing roots 12.
  144. maintenance
    activity involved in keeping something in good working order
    According to paragraph 5, a major reason that coconuts can establish themselves in distant locations is that their seeds can ○survive long exposure to heat on island beaches ○float and survive for long periods in ocean water ○use saltwater for maintenance and growth ○maintain hard, protective coats even after growing roots 12.
  145. maintain
    keep in a certain state, position, or activity
    According to paragraph 5, a major reason that coconuts can establish themselves in distant locations is that their seeds can ○survive long exposure to heat on island beaches ○float and survive for long periods in ocean water ○use saltwater for maintenance and growth ○maintain hard, protective coats even after growing roots 12.
  146. surrounded
    confined on all sides
    ○They may be surrounded by several layers of covering.
  147. direction
    a line leading to a place or point
    Directions: An introductory sentence for a brief summary of the passage is provided below.
  148. brief
    of short duration or distance
    Directions: An introductory sentence for a brief summary of the passage is provided below.
  149. summary
    a brief statement that presents the main points
    Directions: An introductory sentence for a brief summary of the passage is provided below.
  150. complete
    having all necessary qualities
    Complete the summary by selecting the THREE answer choices that express the most important ideas in the passage.
  151. minor
    inferior in number or size or amount
    Some answer choices do not belong in the summary because they express ideas that are not presented in the passage or are minor ideas in the passage.
  152. classify
    arrange or order by categories
    ○Algae are classified as symbiotic because they produce energy through the process of photosynthesis.
  153. process
    a particular course of action intended to achieve a result
    ○Algae are classified as symbiotic because they produce energy through the process of photosynthesis.
  154. consist
    have its essential character
    ○The first successful plants on Hawaii were probably lichens, which consist of algae and fungi living in a symbiotic relationship.
  155. arrive
    reach a destination
    ○Seed-bearing plants arrived and spread quickly in Hawaii, thanks to characteristics that increased their seeds’ ability to survive and to move to different areas.
  156. increase
    a process of becoming larger or longer or more numerous
    ○Seed-bearing plants arrived and spread quickly in Hawaii, thanks to characteristics that increased their seeds’ ability to survive and to move to different areas.
  157. ability
    the quality of having the means or skills to do something
    ○Seed-bearing plants arrived and spread quickly in Hawaii, thanks to characteristics that increased their seeds’ ability to survive and to move to different areas.
Created on Mon Feb 18 09:26:47 EST 2013

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