11. What is the main idea of the passage?

(A) Nesting material varies according to the

parrots' environment.

(B) Humidity is an important factor in

incubating parrots' eggs.

(C) Aviculturists have constructed the ideal

nest box for parrots.

(D) Wild parrots' nests provide information

useful for artificial incubation.

12. The word "They" in line 2 refers to

(A) aviculturists

(B)birds

(C)eggs

(D) rates

13. According to paragraph 2, when the

temperature of the sides and bottom of the egg

are cooler than the top, then

(A) there may be a good chance for

successful incubation

(B) the embryo will not develop normally

(C) the incubating parent moves the egg to

a new position.

(D) the incubation process is slowed down

14. According to paragraph 2, sticks, rocks, or dirt are used to

(A) soften the bottom of the nest for the newly

hatched chick

(B) hold the nest together

(C) help lower the temperature at the bottom of

the nest

(D) make the nest bigger

15. According to paragraph 2, the construction of the nest allows water to

(A) provide a beneficial source of humidity

in the nest

(B) loosen the materials at the bottom of the

nest

(C) keep the nest in a clean condition

(D) touch the bottom of the eggs

16. All of the following are part of a parrot's

incubation method EXCEPT

(A) heating the water vapor as it rises from the

bottom of the nest

(B) arranging nesting material at the bottom of

the nest

(C) transferring heat from the parent to the top

of the eggshell

(D) maintaining a constant temperature on the

eggshell

17. The word "suspend" in line 19 is closest in

meaning to

(A) build

(B) paint

(C)hang

(D) move

18. The word "fatal" in line 25 is closest in

meaning to

(A) close

(B) deadly

(C) natural

(D) hot

19. The word "secure" in line 27 is closest in

meaning to

(A) fiesh

(B)diy

(C)safe

(D)warm

20. According to paragraph 3, a deep foundation of nesting material provides

(A) a constant source of humidity

(B) a strong nest box

(C) more room for newly hatched chicks

(D) protection against cold weather

21. Which of the following is a problem with

commercial incubators?

(A) They lack the natural temperature changes

of the outdoors.

(B) They are unable to heat the eggs evenly

(C) They do not transfer heat to the egg in the

same way the parent bird does.

(D) They are expensive to operate.

22. Which of the following terms is defined in the passage?

(A) Aviculturists (line I)

(B) Gradient (line 8)

(C) Incubation (line 15)

(D) Embryo (line 24)