PrepTest 132, Section 3, Question 13
A vigorous debate in astronomy centers on an(463 more words not shown)
Which one of the following,(20 more words not shown)
- AAn extensive survey(29 more words not shown)
- BScientists discover another(18 more words not shown)
- CA re-analysis of(11 more words not shown)
- DBased on further(17 more words not shown)
- EExcavations on both(16 more words not shown)
Reading the passage
To support the local-only view, I'd look for a contrast: evidence of the event on Earth and the Moon, but no corresponding increase elsewhere. A survey of another planet could help. Merely finding more evidence that Earth or the Moon was struck wouldn't settle the disagreement about reach.
Working the answers
- ACorrect
An extensive survey finds little evidence of increased impacts on Mars during a period that includes the LHB. That's what we'd expect if the special bombardment was local rather than widespread. It doesn't prove that no other planet was affected, or that Mars experienced no impacts at all, but it directly supports the proposed geographic limit.
- B
Another Moon rock reaching Earth tells us about the Earth-Moon system. It doesn't distinguish a local event from one that also affected other planets.
- C
The same problem: movement from Earth to the Moon is compatible with either geographic account.
- D
This is tempting because it removes the particular Mars example that supported widespread bombardment. But removing one piece of evidence for the rival theory is less support than A's broad survey finding little sign of the expected increase on Mars. D doesn't establish what happened elsewhere.
- E
This favors the long-decline account of the event's history. It doesn't tell us that the bombardment was limited to Earth and the Moon.
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