Today, the Smithsonian consists of more than twenty museums, multiple research facilities, and the National Zoo. The Smithsonian complex holds over 157 million artifacts, works of art, specimens, and other objects. Additionally, there are upwards of two million books in the Smithsonian's libraries and more than 146 million cubic feet of documents, including records of the Smithsonian's own history. However, only a tiny portion—less than one percent—of the Smithsonian's collections can be seen by the public at any given time. Many collections are used solely for research by scientists and scholars.
Nevertheless, the variety of objects and specimens that visitors can see in the museums is truly astounding—they have everything from a Conestoga wagon used by colonial traders to a supersonic Concorde airplane. Specimens range from microscopic plants and miniscule fairy wasps to the massive fossilized bones of a Tyrannosaurus rex. Some iconic objects, like Abraham Lincoln's top hat and the flag that inspired the national anthem, help tell the story of America's political history. Others, such as the original Kermit the Frog puppet and Dorothy's ruby slippers from The Wizard of Oz, reflect milestones in pop culture and entertainment.
Which of the following best describes the relationship between paragraph 4 and paragraph 5?
Paragraph 5 highlights collections found in museums, while the national zoo’s collection is described in paragraph 4
Paragraph 5 provides specific examples to illustrate the range and diversity of the collections described in paragraph 4
Paragraph 5 explains the conversion efforts that have been used to protect the collections described in paragraph 4
Paragraph 5 describes iconic cultural objects, while natural specimens in the collections are described in paragraph 4
Paragraph 5 provides specific examples to illustrate the range and diversity of the collections described in paragraph 4.
Paragraph 5 provides specific examples to illustrate the range and diversity of the collections described in paragraph 4.
The correct answer is:
Paragraph 5 provides specific examples to illustrate the range and diversity of the collections described in paragraph 4.
In paragraph 4, it is mentioned that the variety of objects and specimens in the museums is astounding, ranging from a Conestoga wagon to a supersonic Concorde airplane, as well as plant specimens and fossilized bones. Paragraph 5 then goes on to provide specific examples of iconic objects found in the museums, such as Abraham Lincoln's top hat, Dorothy's ruby slippers, and Kermit the Frog puppet, to illustrate the range and diversity of the collections mentioned in paragraph 4.