Depths at Which Four Deep-Sea Fish Species LiveSpeciesDepth below the ocean surfaceFootballfish200–1,000 metersSouthern stoplight loosejaw500–2,000 me...
GMAT Information and Ideas : (Ideas) Questions
Depths at Which Four Deep-Sea Fish Species Live
| Species | Depth below the ocean surface |
|---|---|
| Footballfish | 200–1,000 meters |
| Southern stoplight loosejaw | 500–2,000 meters |
| Black seadevil | 250–2,000 meters |
| Bollons' rattail | 300–800 meters |
Some oceanic fish species live very deep underwater. Researchers collected data about the depths at which various species live. Based on the information in the table,
At what depth does the southern stoplight loosejaw live?
More than 2,000 meters below the surface
150 to 400 meters below the surface
500 to 2,000 meters below the surface
250 to 500 meters below the surface
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| "Some oceanic fish species live very deep underwater." |
|
| "Researchers collected data about the depths at which various species live." |
|
| Table: Depths at Which Four Deep-Sea Fish Species Live |
|
Part B: Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: Researchers have documented the specific depth ranges where four different deep-sea fish species live.
Argument Flow: The passage establishes that some ocean fish live very deep, then explains that researchers collected data about this, and finally presents the actual depth ranges for four specific species in table format.
Step 2: Interpret the Question Precisely
What's being asked? The specific depth range where the southern stoplight loosejaw lives.
What type of answer do we need? A depth range measurement (in meters below the ocean surface).
Any limiting keywords? The question focuses specifically on "southern stoplight loosejaw" - we need to find this particular species in the table.
Step 3: Prethink the Answer
- Looking at our table analysis, we can see that the southern stoplight loosejaw lives at 500-2,000 meters below the ocean surface
- The correct answer should give us exactly this depth range - starting at 500 meters and going down to 2,000 meters
- We're looking for a straightforward data lookup from the table
- So the right answer should state "500 to 2,000 meters below the surface"
More than 2,000 meters below the surface
- States "More than 2,000 meters below the surface"
- The table shows southern stoplight loosejaw lives at 500-2,000 meters, which means up to 2,000 meters, not beyond it
150 to 400 meters below the surface
- States "150 to 400 meters below the surface"
- This range is too shallow - the table shows southern stoplight loosejaw starts at 500 meters minimum
- What trap this represents: Students might confuse this species with another or misread the table data
500 to 2,000 meters below the surface
- States "500 to 2,000 meters below the surface"
- Matches exactly what the table shows for southern stoplight loosejaw
- This is a direct lookup from our data analysis
250 to 500 meters below the surface
- States "250 to 500 meters below the surface"
- This range is too shallow and stops where the southern stoplight loosejaw actually begins (at 500 meters)
- What trap this represents: Students might partially remember the depth range but get the numbers mixed up with other species