A marine biologist's research notes describe a coral reef ecosystem as severely compromised by recent environmental changes: ______
GMAT Information and Ideas : (Ideas) Questions
A marine biologist's research notes describe a coral reef ecosystem as severely compromised by recent environmental changes: ______
Which quotation from the research notes most effectively illustrates the claim?
Water temperature readings remained within normal seasonal variation parameters.
Coral bleaching covered approximately 78% of surveyed areas, with significant reduction in fish species diversity.
Research equipment functioned properly throughout the three-month observation period.
Data collection occurred during optimal weather conditions for underwater visibility.
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| "A marine biologist's research notes describe a coral reef ecosystem as severely compromised by recent environmental changes:" |
|
Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Visual Structure Map:
[MAIN CLAIM] Marine biologist's finding: Coral reef ecosystem severely compromised
[MISSING EVIDENCE] Need: Specific evidence showing severe compromise
Main Point: A marine biologist has documented that a coral reef ecosystem is severely damaged by recent environmental changes.
Argument Flow: This single sentence establishes the central claim that requires supporting evidence. We need to find research data that demonstrates this severe compromise.
Step 2: Interpret the Question Precisely
This is a fill-in-the-blank question asking us to choose the best logical connector. The answer must create the right relationship between what comes before and after the blank.
Step 3: Prethink the Answer
- The right answer should show concrete evidence of significant ecosystem damage
- Demonstrate that the compromise is severe, not minor
- Relate to environmental changes affecting the coral reef system
Water temperature readings remained within normal seasonal variation parameters.
✗ Incorrect
- States water temperatures stayed within normal ranges
- This suggests stability, not severe compromise
Coral bleaching covered approximately 78% of surveyed areas, with significant reduction in fish species diversity.
✓ Correct
- Shows 78% coral bleaching coverage and reduced fish diversity
- Both pieces of evidence clearly demonstrate severe ecosystem compromise
Research equipment functioned properly throughout the three-month observation period.
✗ Incorrect
- Discusses research equipment functionality
- This is about research methods, not ecosystem health
Data collection occurred during optimal weather conditions for underwater visibility.
✗ Incorrect
- Mentions optimal weather conditions for data collection
- This is about research conditions, not ecosystem damage