PrepTest 127, Section 4, Question 10
Mechanisms for recognizing kin are found throughout the(466 more words not shown)
Based on the passage, the(20 more words not shown)
- AIt is impossible(17 more words not shown)
- BSuch explanations require(6 more words not shown)
- CFor any such(25 more words not shown)
- DKin recognition may(7 more words not shown)
- ENo other evolutionary(19 more words not shown)
Reading the passage
The inclusive-fitness explanation is useful, but it isn't the whole story we're given. The tadpoles' behavior fits preservation of shared genes; the salamanders' behavior can be explained by avoiding infection. That contrast should guide what we can attribute to the author.
Working the answers
- A
The opening describes improved understanding of the mechanisms leading researchers to ask why recognition occurs. It doesn't say understanding the mechanism is impossible until an evolutionary explanation comes first.
- B
Inclusive fitness expands the traditional focus on an individual's own offspring to include helping relatives. “No modifications” misses that addition.
- C
Recognition occurring regardless of social or mental complexity doesn't establish that every adequate explanation must ignore those differences.
- DCorrect
The two examples offer different evolutionary benefits: increasing genetic representation through relatives and preserving one's own life. They support different possible explanations in different species.
- E
Success in explaining some phenomena doesn't establish superiority over every other evolutionary explanation. We aren't given that exhaustive comparison, and the author expressly leaves room for another explanation.
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