Recent studies of fossilized pollen samples from the Late Pleistocene epoch have revealed unexpectedly diverse plant communities in regions previously...
GMAT Craft and Structure : (Structure) Questions
Recent studies of fossilized pollen samples from the Late Pleistocene epoch have revealed unexpectedly diverse plant communities in regions previously thought to have supported only sparse vegetation. These findings indicate that ancient ecosystems were far more complex than researchers had assumed—potentially ______ the long-held theory that ice age environments were relatively simple and uniform.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?
corroborating
undermining
anticipating
reinforcing
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| 'Recent studies of fossilized pollen samples from the Late Pleistocene epoch have revealed unexpectedly diverse plant communities in regions previously thought to have supported only sparse vegetation.' |
|
| [MISSING LOGICAL CONNECTOR] |
|
| 'the long-held theory that ice age environments were relatively simple and uniform.' |
|
Part B: Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Visual Structure Map:
[NEW RESEARCH FINDINGS]
Recent pollen studies → unexpected diversity
↓
[MISSING CONNECTOR]
↓
[ESTABLISHED THEORY]
Ice age environments = simple & uniform
Main Point: Recent fossil evidence reveals more complex ancient ecosystems than previously believed, which creates tension with the established theory of simple ice age environments.
Argument Flow: The passage presents new research findings that show greater biodiversity in ancient ecosystems than expected, then suggests this evidence has some relationship (to be determined by the blank) with the long-standing theory that ice age environments were simple and uniform.
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 research shows that ancient ecosystems were more diverse and complex than expected
- The theory says ice age environments were simple and uniform
- These two ideas are in direct conflict - if the ecosystems were actually diverse and complex, then the theory that they were simple and uniform can't be correct
- The logical connector should express that the new evidence contradicts or challenges the established theory
- We need a word that shows the research findings work against the theory, not for it
- So the right answer should indicate that the research findings weaken, challenge, or contradict the theory that ice age environments were simple
corroborating
✗ Incorrect
- 'Corroborating' means supporting or confirming something with additional evidence
- This doesn't work because the research findings actually conflict with the theory rather than support it
- What trap this represents: Students might confuse 'providing more information about' with 'supporting' - just because research relates to a theory doesn't mean it confirms it
undermining
✓ Correct
- 'Undermining' means weakening or damaging the foundation of something
- This perfectly captures the relationship: evidence of diverse ecosystems weakens the theory that ice age environments were simple
- Matches our prethinking that the research contradicts the established theory
anticipating
✗ Incorrect
- 'Anticipating' means predicting or expecting something to happen in the future
- This makes no logical sense - research findings can't anticipate an already existing theory
- The sentence structure and timeline don't support this meaning
reinforcing
✗ Incorrect
- 'Reinforcing' means strengthening or supporting something
- Like 'corroborating,' this suggests the research supports the theory, but the evidence actually contradicts it
- What trap this represents: Similar to choice A, students might think any research related to a theory must strengthen it, missing that contradictory evidence actually weakens theories