PrepTest 157, Section 4, Question 20
Political arguments about biodiversity and the preservation of(443 more words not shown)
The passage provides information sufficient(8 more words not shown)
- AWhen did Charles(9 more words not shown)
- BWhat are two(6 more words not shown)
- CWhat common traits(10 more words not shown)
- DWhat is one(9 more words not shown)
- EWhat is one(11 more words not shown)
Reading the passage
This is an information question. We have Sibley's reported findings and a critic's objection, but not a complete history of his research or a map of every bird mentioned. Check whether the requested fact is actually available; a familiar name in an answer doesn't supply the missing relationship or date.
Working the answers
- A
The date attached to Sibley's quotation tells us when he wrote that statement. It doesn't tell us when he began using DNA-DNA hybridization.
- B
The continents identify the vulture populations. Saying American vultures are related to storks doesn't place the storks on those same continents. Related animals don't have to live in the same place, and no two-continent location for storks is supplied.
- C
We are told that many taxonomists regarded loons and grebes as close relatives, but not what shared traits led them to that view. A report of the classification isn't an explanation of its original evidence.
- DCorrect
The critic says DNA data approximate genetic differences while their interpretation remains arbitrary. Whether we accept that criticism or not, it is plainly an objection to using Sibley's work to settle classification questions. We can state both what the data provide and what the critic thinks they fail to determine.
- E
The examples concern birds. No non-avian population is identified as the subject of a lumper-splitter dispute, so the requested example isn't available.
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