SAT English Practice Question

A group of scientists are studying the impact of climate change on a particular species of bird. The scientists have noticed that the birds are now arriving at their nesting grounds earlier in the year than they did in the past. They have also observed that the birds are nesting in higher elevations than they did in the past. The scientists are trying to determine whether these changes are due to climate change. They hypothesize that the earlier arrival of the birds is due to an earlier onset of spring, and that the higher nesting elevations are due to the birds searching for cooler temperatures as the climate warms. What is the most likely reason why the scientists are studying the impact of climate change on this species of bird?

1. A.understand how the birds are adapting to changing environmental conditions.
2. B.determine whether the birds are more common in some areas than in others.
3. C.test the effects of different types of food on the birds' health.
4. D.develop new methods for protecting the birds from predators.