SAT OwlQuestion bank / Central Ideas and Details
Snapping shrimp, also called pistol shrimp, are only a few centimeters long, but they are among the loudest animals in the ocean. One of each shrimp's two claws is greatly enlarged. When the shrimp snaps this claw shut, it shoots out a jet of water so fast that it forms a bubble. The bubble collapses almost instantly, producing a sharp crack and a burst of force strong enough to stun small fish and worms, which the shrimp then eats.
According to the text, how does a snapping shrimp's enlarged claw help it obtain food?
It grips prey tightly so that the prey cannot escape.
It digs burrows in which the shrimp traps passing fish.
It produces a collapsing bubble whose force stuns small prey.
It makes a loud sound that attracts fish and worms toward the shrimp.
Show answer and explanation
Answer: C
The text says the snapping claw shoots out water that forms a bubble, and when the bubble collapses it releases force strong enough to stun small fish and worms. The shrimp then eats them. That is choice C.
Choice D is tempting because the text mentions a loud crack, but it is the burst of force that stuns prey; nothing says the sound draws prey closer.
Why the other choices are wrong
- A. The claw snaps shut to shoot out water, and the collapsing bubble stuns the prey. The text never says the claw grips anything.
- B. The text never mentions burrows, so this detail has no support.
- D. The crack is mentioned, but the text says the burst of force stuns the prey. Nothing suggests the sound attracts fish or worms.
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