Question

The orchid family is one of the largest families of flowering plants. There are twice as many species of orchids as species of birds. There are four times as many species of orchids as species of mammals. Charles Darwin wrote a book about orchids in 1862. The book studied the way in which orchids evolved to attract birds and insects. It is suggested that for every different type of bird or insect, there was an orchid that matched in appearance. This in-depth study on orchids helped Darwin develop his ideas on evolution. Orchids can survive almost anywhere—even underground. The only place they cannot survive is in glacial regions, like Antarctica. They grow best in tropical regions that are hot and humid. Some scientists believe that orchids have been around since the time of the dinosaurs.
4
Which of the following is the best summary of this passage?
A.
Charles Darwin wrote a book about the evolution of orchids. His book showed that for every type of bird or insect, there was an orchid that looked similar.
B.
Orchids can survive almost anywhere except for Antarctica. They grow in the tropics and even underground. They survive best in regions with hot, humid weather.
C.
The orchid family is a very large family of flowering plants. Orchids have evolved since the dinosaur years and can survive almost anywhere.
D.
There are far more species of orchids than there are species of birds or mammals. They have evolved to look like different species of birds and insects.

Answer 1

C

Choice C best captures the main ideas: orchids are a very large family, can survive in many places, and may have existed since dinosaur times. The other options are too narrow or leave out key points.