The basking shark is the world’s second largest fish. This gentle giant is a filter-feeding fish that is harmless to humans. But the basking shark is proving to be dangerous to students taking the SAT! Here’s why:
Basking sharks have traditionally been classified as ectothermic or cold-blooded fish. But marine biologist Haley R. Dolton discovered that the basking shark’s body temperature is actually 1.0 to 1.5 degrees Celsius ABOVE the ambient water. This led Dalton to conclude that the basking shark’s traditional classification is inaccurate. It is really an endotherm!
Inaccurate is a correct but much too easy way to describe Dolton’s discovery. SAT test writers have constructed challenging vocabulary in context questions in which they describe the basking shark’s traditional classification as UNTENABLE or INCONGRUOUS with its true status as an endotherm. Since UNTENABLE means means cannot be maintained or defended and INCONGRUOUS means inconsistent and out of place, these terms are correct answers!
Special hint: The basking shark passages contain extraneous information about the classifications of a variety of fish. Don’t let this confusing content distract you. Instead, focus on the changing classification of the basking shark!
UNTENABLE – cannot be maintained or defended
INCONGRUOUS – inconsistent and out of place