Paleontologist Alan Tennyson and colleagues studied fossil bones found in New Zealand that are more than 55 million years old....
GMAT Information and Ideas : (Ideas) Questions
Paleontologist Alan Tennyson and colleagues studied fossil bones found in New Zealand that are more than 55 million years old. The researchers determined that the fossil bones belonged to two previously unknown species of prehistoric penguins. Moreover, they estimated that one of the two penguin species was more than three times the size of the emperor penguin, which is the largest penguin species that exists today.
Based on the text, which choice best describes the two previously unknown penguin species?
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| Paleontologist Alan Tennyson and colleagues studied fossil bones found in New Zealand that are more than 55 million years old. |
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| The researchers determined that the fossil bones belonged to two previously unknown species of prehistoric penguins. |
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| Moreover, they estimated that one of the two penguin species was more than three times the size of the emperor penguin, which is the largest penguin species that exists today. |
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Part B: Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: Researchers discovered two new species of prehistoric penguins from ancient fossils, including one that was extraordinarily large compared to modern penguins.
Step 2: Interpret the Question Precisely
What's being asked? We need to identify what best describes these two previously unknown penguin species.
What type of answer do we need? A characteristic or description that applies to both species based on the information given.
Any limiting keywords? N/A
Step 3: Prethink the Answer
- Looking at our analysis, the key facts about these penguin species are that they come from fossil bones that are more than 55 million years old and are described as prehistoric penguins.
- This tells us these are ancient species that no longer exist today.
- The right answer should indicate that these are extinct/ancient species.
- The passage doesn't suggest these species are frequently studied.
- They're described as previously unknown, indicating they were just discovered.
- The passage clearly indicates these are fossil bones from over 55 million years ago.
- They're described as prehistoric penguins, which means they existed in ancient times and are no longer living species.
- This contradicts the passage.
- We're told one species was more than three times the size of the emperor penguin, meaning at least one was much larger than modern penguins, not smaller.
- The passage provides no information about their water habits or lifestyle.