Question

77 how does the authors use of language in paragraph 12 contribute to the tone of the article?
it provides an authoritative tone to support the idea that geology is important to human life
it presents an informal tone that helps the reader better understand how tall trees develop.
it provides a hopeful tone that people in the future will be more aware of the need to protect nature.
it presents a casual tone to make the complex subject of geology more interesting and relatable.

Explanation:

To solve this, we analyze each option:

• Option 1: If the article's theme relates to geology's importance to human life, an authoritative tone (using expert - like language) would support that idea by adding credibility.
• Option 2: An informal tone is less likely to help with understanding fossil formation (a scientific process) as it would lack the precision needed.
• Option 3: A hopeful tone about future nature protection is more about environmental advocacy rather than the core of a geology - focused article.
• Option 4: A casual tone would not be appropriate for a complex scientific subject like geology as it would reduce the seriousness and accuracy needed.

So the best option is the first one as it aligns with using an authoritative tone to support geology's importance to human life.

Answer:

It provides an authoritative tone to support the idea that geology is important to human life (the first option among the listed choices).