Jan Gimsa, Robert Sleigh, and Ulrike Gimsa have hypothesized that the sail-like structure running down the back of the dinosaur...
GMAT Information and Ideas : (Ideas) Questions
Jan Gimsa, Robert Sleigh, and Ulrike Gimsa have hypothesized that the sail-like structure running down the back of the dinosaur Spinosaurus aegyptiacus improved the animal's success in underwater pursuits of prey species capable of making quick, evasive movements. To evaluate their hypothesis, a second team of researchers constructed two battery-powered mechanical models of S. aegyptiacus, one with a sail and one without, and subjected the models to a series of identical tests in a water-filled tank.
Which finding from the model tests, if true, would most strongly support Gimsa and colleagues' hypothesis?
The model with a sail took significantly less time to complete a sharp turn while submerged than the model without a sail did.
The model with a sail displaced significantly more water while submerged than the model without a sail did.
The model with a sail had significantly less battery power remaining after completing the tests than the model without a sail did.
The model with a sail took significantly longer to travel a specified distance while submerged than the model without a sail did.
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
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| Jan Gimsa, Robert Sleigh, and Ulrike Gimsa have hypothesized that the sail-like structure running down the back of the dinosaur Spinosaurus aegyptiacus improved the animal's success in underwater pursuits of prey species capable of making quick, evasive movements. |
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| To evaluate their hypothesis, a second team of researchers constructed two battery-powered mechanical models of S. aegyptiacus, one with a sail and one without, and subjected the models to a series of identical tests in a water-filled tank. |
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Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: Scientists are testing whether Spinosaurus sail structure actually improved its ability to hunt evasive prey underwater by comparing mechanical models with and without sails.
Argument Flow: The passage establishes a testable hypothesis about dinosaur anatomy and hunting effectiveness, then describes how researchers designed a controlled experiment to evaluate this hypothesis using mechanical models.
Step 2: Interpret the Question Precisely
What's being asked? Which experimental finding would provide the strongest evidence supporting Gimsa hypothesis
What type of answer do we need? A test result that demonstrates the sail improves underwater pursuit of quick, evasive prey
Any limiting keywords? "most strongly support" means we need the finding that provides the clearest, most direct evidence for the hypothesis
Step 3: Prethink the Answer
- The hypothesis specifically claims the sail improved success in "underwater pursuits of prey species capable of making quick, evasive movements."
- For evidence to strongly support this, we need test results showing the sail helps with the specific skills needed for this type of hunting.
- The key challenge when chasing evasive prey is being able to match their quick movements and direction changes - essentially, maneuverability and agility.
- So the right answer should show that the model with the sail demonstrated superior underwater maneuverability or agility compared to the model without the sail.
The model with a sail took significantly less time to complete a sharp turn while submerged than the model without a sail did.
- Shows the sail model completed sharp turns faster than the no-sail model
- This directly supports the hypothesis because quick turning ability is exactly what you would need to successfully pursue "prey species capable of making quick, evasive movements"
- Matches our prethinking perfectly - demonstrates superior maneuverability underwater
The model with a sail displaced significantly more water while submerged than the model without a sail did.
- Displacing more water while submerged does not clearly relate to hunting success
- Could even suggest the sail creates more drag, which might hinder rather than help pursuit
- Does not address the key issue of catching evasive prey
The model with a sail had significantly less battery power remaining after completing the tests than the model without a sail did.
- Having less battery power remaining suggests the sail requires more energy to operate
- This would indicate the sail is less efficient, not more effective at hunting
The model with a sail took significantly longer to travel a specified distance while submerged than the model without a sail did.
- Taking longer to travel a distance suggests the sail slows the dinosaur down
- Slower speed would make it harder, not easier, to catch prey
- This evidence would actually weaken the hypothesis rather than support it