While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes:Dr. Sarah Mitchell is a marine biologist at the Pacific...
GMAT Expression of Ideas : (Expression) Questions
While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes:
- Dr. Sarah Mitchell is a marine biologist at the Pacific Research Institute.
- She uses the term 'biomimicry' to describe research that copies natural processes for technological applications.
- 'Biomimicry' comes from the Greek words 'bios' (life) and 'mimesis' (imitate).
- Her project on shark skin led to more efficient swimsuit designs.
- Her study of gecko feet inspired new adhesive technologies.
The student wants to provide an explanation and example of 'biomimicry.' Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish this goal?
Dr. Sarah Mitchell employs the term 'biomimicry,' derived from Greek words meaning 'life' and 'imitate,' to describe research that copies natural processes for technological applications, such as studying shark skin to create more efficient swimsuit designs.
The term 'biomimicry,' used by Pacific Research Institute scientist Dr. Sarah Mitchell, comes from Greek words meaning 'life' and 'imitate.'
Dr. Sarah Mitchell, who conducted research on shark skin, refers to her work as 'biomimicry.'
The research on shark skin and gecko feet represents types of 'biomimicry,' a term that Dr. Sarah Mitchell uses when describing her technological applications.
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| "Dr. Sarah Mitchell is a marine biologist at the Pacific Research Institute." |
|
| "She uses the term 'biomimicry' to describe research that copies natural processes for technological applications." |
|
| "'Biomimicry' comes from the Greek words 'bios' (life) and 'mimesis' (imitate)." |
|
| "Her project on shark skin led to more efficient swimsuit designs." |
|
| "Her study of gecko feet inspired new adhesive technologies." |
|
Part B: Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: The notes document Dr. Sarah Mitchell's biomimicry research, which involves copying natural processes to create technological innovations.
Argument Flow: The notes establish Mitchell's credentials, define biomimicry both functionally and etymologically, then provide two specific examples showing how her natural studies led to technological applications.
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 correct answer must accomplish TWO things:
- Explain what biomimicry is - either through the definition (copying natural processes for tech applications) and/or the etymology (Greek words for life and imitate)
- Provide a concrete example - one of Mitchell's actual research projects (shark skin/swimsuits or gecko feet/adhesives)
Dr. Sarah Mitchell employs the term 'biomimicry,' derived from Greek words meaning 'life' and 'imitate,' to describe research that copies natural processes for technological applications, such as studying shark skin to create more efficient swimsuit designs.
✓ Correct
- Provides complete explanation: etymology (Greek words "life" and "imitate") + definition (copies natural processes for technological applications)
- Includes concrete example: shark skin research leading to swimsuit designs
- Uses multiple relevant pieces from the notes effectively
- Accomplishes both required goals fully
The term 'biomimicry,' used by Pacific Research Institute scientist Dr. Sarah Mitchell, comes from Greek words meaning 'life' and 'imitate.'
✗ Incorrect
- Only provides etymology (Greek words meaning "life" and "imitate")
- Completely missing any functional definition of what biomimicry actually does
- No examples provided
- Trap: Students might think etymology alone counts as a complete "explanation"
Dr. Sarah Mitchell, who conducted research on shark skin, refers to her work as 'biomimicry.'
✗ Incorrect
- Mentions shark skin research as an example
- Provides no explanation whatsoever of what biomimicry means
- Simply states Mitchell "refers to her work" as biomimicry without defining it
- Trap: Students might assume that mentioning Mitchell's work automatically explains biomimicry
The research on shark skin and gecko feet represents types of 'biomimicry,' a term that Dr. Sarah Mitchell uses when describing her technological applications.
✗ Incorrect
- Provides examples (shark skin and gecko feet research)
- Fails to explain what biomimicry actually means or involves
- Vaguely mentions "technological applications" but doesn't define the core concept
- Trap: Students might be drawn to more examples thinking quantity equals effectiveness