Question depths

1.2 Command of Evidence - Quantitative evidence: reading tables and graphs
0:00

Depths at Which Four Deep-Sea Fish Species Live

SpeciesDepth below the ocean surface
Footballfish200–1,000 meters
Southern stoplight loosejaw500–2,000 meters
Black seadevil250–2,000 meters
Bollons’ rattail300–800 meters

Some oceanic fish species live very deep underwater. Researchers collected data about the depths at which various species live.

Based on the information in the table, at what depth does the southern stoplight loosejaw live?

A.

More than 2,000 meters below the surface

B.

150 to 400 meters below the surface

C.

500 to 2,000 meters below the surface

D.

250 to 500 meters below the surface

Depths at Which Four Deep-Sea Fish Species Live Species Depth below the ocean surface Footballfish 200-1,000

Easy-difficulty · SAT Reading & Writing · Command of Evidence — Quantitative evidence: reading tables and graphs. Read the question above, select your answer, and check the full explanation below to understand exactly why the correct choice works.

Answer explanation

Choice C is the best answer. The table shows the depths below the ocean surface at which four species of deep-sea fish live. According to the table, the range of depths at which the southern stoplight loosejaw lives is 500–2,000 meters below the surface.

Choice A is incorrect because the table indies that the southern stoplight loosejaw lives 500–2,000 meters below the ocean surface, not at depths more than 2,000 meters below the surface. Choice B is incorrect because the table indies that the southern stoplight loosejaw lives 500–2,000 meters below the ocean surface, not 150–400 meters below the surface. Choice D is incorrect because the table indies that the southern stoplight loosejaw lives 500–2,000 meters below the ocean surface, not 250–500 meters below the surface.