Recent DNA analysis of ancient remains from the Orkney Islands has revealed genetic patterns inconsistent with the Neolithic migration theory...
GMAT Information and Ideas : (Ideas) Questions
Recent DNA analysis of ancient remains from the Orkney Islands has revealed genetic patterns inconsistent with the Neolithic migration theory proposed by Dr. Sarah Mitchell and colleagues in their influential 2021 study. Mitchell's team had reasonably argued that, given the absence of contradictory archaeological evidence, a westward migration from continental Europe to the British Isles during the Neolithic period warranted serious consideration as an explanation for cultural similarities observed in stone monuments and pottery styles. However, the new genetic data shows clear markers indicating southward movement from Scandinavia, directly contradicting the proposed westward migration pattern and suggesting instead a previously unrecognized Norse influence on early British island cultures.
Which choice best states the main idea of the text?
While Mitchell and colleagues were justified in proposing their migration theory given the available archaeological evidence, the genetic findings indicate that their theoretical framework is no longer tenable.
The DNA analysis conducted on Orkney Island remains was designed specifically to test the westward migration theory presented in Mitchell's 2021 study.
Mitchell's migration theory was based on the assumption that genetic evidence supporting alternative migration patterns would never be discovered.
Prior to the genetic analysis, archaeologists' excessive reliance on pottery and monument evidence prevented them from developing more sophisticated dating techniques.
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| "Recent DNA analysis of ancient remains from the Orkney Islands has revealed genetic patterns inconsistent with the Neolithic migration theory proposed by Dr. Sarah Mitchell and colleagues in their influential 2021 study." |
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| "Mitchell's team had reasonably argued that, given the absence of contradictory archaeological evidence, a westward migration from continental Europe to the British Isles during the Neolithic period warranted serious consideration as an explanation for cultural similarities observed in stone monuments and pottery styles." |
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| "However, the new genetic data shows clear markers indicating southward movement from Scandinavia, directly contradicting the proposed westward migration pattern and suggesting instead a previously unrecognized Norse influence on early British island cultures." |
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Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: Recent genetic analysis has revealed evidence that contradicts Dr. Mitchell's previously reasonable migration theory, showing southward rather than westward migration patterns.
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 acknowledge that Mitchell's theory was reasonable given the evidence available at the time, and that new genetic evidence contradicts this theory
- It should reflect the overall structure: reasonable theory, new evidence, theory no longer supported
While Mitchell and colleagues were justified in proposing their migration theory given the available archaeological evidence, the genetic findings indicate that their theoretical framework is no longer tenable.
✓ Correct
- Captures both parts - Mitchell's theory was justified given available evidence AND genetic findings show the theory is no longer tenable
- Matches the passage's balanced tone
The DNA analysis conducted on Orkney Island remains was designed specifically to test the westward migration theory presented in Mitchell's 2021 study.
✗ Incorrect
- Claims the DNA analysis was designed specifically to test Mitchell's theory, but the passage never states this purpose
Mitchell's migration theory was based on the assumption that genetic evidence supporting alternative migration patterns would never be discovered.
✗ Incorrect
- Claims Mitchell's theory was based on assumptions about future genetic discoveries, but the passage says it was based on absence of contradictory archaeological evidence
Prior to the genetic analysis, archaeologists' excessive reliance on pottery and monument evidence prevented them from developing more sophisticated dating techniques.
✗ Incorrect
- Focuses on archaeologists' excessive reliance on pottery evidence, which completely misses the main point about theory contradiction