SAT OwlQuestion bank / Central Ideas and Details
Until 1960, many scientists believed that only humans used tools. That year, researcher Jane Goodall watched a chimpanzee in what is now Tanzania strip the leaves from a twig and poke it into a termite mound to fish out termites. Her observation showed that chimpanzees not only use tools but also make them, and it forced scientists to reconsider what makes humans unique.
Which choice best states the main idea of the text?
Chimpanzees in Tanzania eat termites and almost nothing else.
Goodall was the first scientist to study animals in Africa.
Goodall's observation of a chimpanzee making and using a tool challenged a long-held belief about humans.
Scientists in 1960 proved that humans are the only animals that use tools.
Show answer and explanation
Answer: C
The text describes a belief (only humans use tools), Goodall's observation of a chimpanzee shaping and using a twig, and the result: scientists had to rethink what makes humans unique. Choice C summarizes this.
Choice D states the old belief that Goodall's observation overturned, not what was shown in 1960.
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