In 2018, scientists discovered an immense aggregation of Muusoctopus robustus (pearl octopuses) along a hydrothermal vent 3,200,meters beneath the oce...
GMAT Information and Ideas : (Ideas) Questions
In 2018, scientists discovered an immense aggregation of Muusoctopus robustus (pearl octopuses) along a hydrothermal vent \(\mathrm{3,200\,meters}\) beneath the ocean's surface. Water temperatures at this site—named the Octopus Garden—climb as high as \(\mathrm{11°C}\), much warmer than the ambient \(\mathrm{1.6°C}\) typical at this depth. Based on observations made over three years, scientists concluded that temperatures at the site likely confer reproductive benefits and that the site is used exclusively for reproduction—\(\mathrm{6,000}\) M. robustus adults, hatchlings, and eggs were observed at the garden, but no juveniles were present.
Which statement about M. robustus and the Octopus Garden is best supported by the text?
M. robustus leave the Octopus Garden upon reaching an intermediary stage of development.
The M. robustus population at the Octopus Garden remains stable despite variations in water temperature.
M. robustus nests in the Octopus Garden contain on average fewer but larger eggs than nests at similar ocean depths.
The Octopus Garden provides an ideal feeding ground for M. robustus hatchlings.
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| 'In 2018, scientists discovered an immense aggregation of Muusoctopus robustus (pearl octopuses) along a hydrothermal vent 3,200 meters beneath the ocean's surface.' |
|
| 'Water temperatures at this site—named the Octopus Garden—climb as high as 11°C, much warmer than the ambient 1.6°C typical at this depth.' |
|
| 'Based on observations made over three years, scientists concluded that temperatures at the site likely confer reproductive benefits and that the site is used exclusively for reproduction—' |
|
| '6,000 M. robustus adults, hatchlings, and eggs were observed at the garden, but no juveniles were present.' |
|
Part B: Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: Scientists discovered that pearl octopuses use an unusually warm deep-sea site exclusively for reproduction, evidenced by the presence of all life stages except juveniles.
Step 2: Interpret the Question Precisely
What's being asked? Which statement about the octopuses and the Octopus Garden has the strongest support from the text
What type of answer do we need? A conclusion that can be directly drawn from the evidence presented in the passage
Any limiting keywords? 'best supported by the text' - we need textual evidence, not speculation
Step 3: Prethink the Answer
- The most striking piece of evidence is the population breakdown: adults, hatchlings, and eggs are all present, but no juveniles were found
- This gap in the life cycle stages suggests something specific about juvenile behavior or location
- Since we know the site is used 'exclusively for reproduction,' the absence of juveniles indicates they must go somewhere else at that developmental stage
M. robustus leave the Octopus Garden upon reaching an intermediary stage of development.
✓ Correct
- This directly explains the missing juveniles - they leave when they reach that developmental stage
- Perfectly matches our evidence: adults, hatchlings, and eggs are present, but no juveniles
The M. robustus population at the Octopus Garden remains stable despite variations in water temperature.
✗ Incorrect
- The passage mentions no variations in water temperature over time
- No information provided about population stability
M. robustus nests in the Octopus Garden contain on average fewer but larger eggs than nests at similar ocean depths.
✗ Incorrect
- No comparative information about egg sizes or quantities at different depths
- The passage doesn't discuss nesting details
The Octopus Garden provides an ideal feeding ground for M. robustus hatchlings.
✗ Incorrect
- No information about feeding provided in the passage
- The site is described as used 'exclusively for reproduction,' not feeding