The Deep Ocean Biodiversity Project, spearheaded by marine biologist Dr. James Chen, seeks to explore previously unreachable deep-sea ecosystems in...
GMAT Information and Ideas : (Ideas) Questions
The Deep Ocean Biodiversity Project, spearheaded by marine biologist Dr. James Chen, seeks to explore previously unreachable deep-sea ecosystems in the Pacific's abyssal plains. Using newly developed submersible technology, the research team will investigate hydrothermal vent communities located at depths exceeding 4,000 meters. These extreme-environment ecosystems, while theoretically predicted, have remained largely unobserved and are thought to harbor unique species that could revolutionize understanding of life's adaptability. The project's advanced exploration capabilities should illuminate fundamental questions about deep-sea biodiversity, ecosystem resilience, and evolutionary adaptation under extreme conditions.
Which choice best states the main idea of the text?
While deep-sea ecosystems have been theorized about extensively, the extreme depths of abyssal plains have prevented researchers from directly studying hydrothermal vent communities.
The Deep Ocean Biodiversity Project is positioned to provide unprecedented access to deep-sea ecosystems that likely hold key insights into extreme-environment evolution.
As leader of the Deep Ocean Biodiversity Project, Dr. Chen will pioneer the use of advanced submersible technology to study Pacific Ocean hydrothermal vents.
Scientists currently have incomplete knowledge of deep-sea biodiversity but have proposed theories about life's ability to adapt to extreme underwater conditions.
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| "The Deep Ocean Biodiversity Project, spearheaded by marine biologist Dr. James Chen, seeks to explore previously unreachable deep-sea ecosystems in the Pacific's abyssal plains." |
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| "Using newly developed submersible technology, the research team will investigate hydrothermal vent communities located at depths exceeding 4,000 meters." |
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| "These extreme-environment ecosystems, while theoretically predicted, have remained largely unobserved and are thought to harbor unique species that could revolutionize understanding of life's adaptability." |
|
| "The project's advanced exploration capabilities should illuminate fundamental questions about deep-sea biodiversity, ecosystem resilience, and evolutionary adaptation under extreme conditions." |
|
Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: The Deep Ocean Biodiversity Project will use advanced technology to provide unprecedented access to previously unreachable deep-sea ecosystems that could revolutionize our understanding of extreme-environment life.
Argument Flow: The passage introduces Dr. Chen's deep-sea research project and describes its technological approach to studying previously unreachable hydrothermal vents. It then contrasts current theoretical knowledge with lack of direct observation, emphasizing potential revolutionary impact. Finally, it projects that the project's advanced capabilities will illuminate fundamental questions about deep-sea life.
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 correct answer should capture the essence of what this project represents: a breakthrough opportunity to study previously inaccessible deep-sea ecosystems using new technology
- It should mention both the unprecedented access aspect and the significant potential for new discoveries
- The answer should focus on the project's positioning to provide new understanding rather than just describing current limitations
While deep-sea ecosystems have been theorized about extensively, the extreme depths of abyssal plains have prevented researchers from directly studying hydrothermal vent communities.
✗ Incorrect
- This focuses on barriers and limitations that prevented past research
- While the passage mentions ecosystems have remained largely unobserved, this misses the main point about the project's breakthrough potential
The Deep Ocean Biodiversity Project is positioned to provide unprecedented access to deep-sea ecosystems that likely hold key insights into extreme-environment evolution.
✓ Correct
- Captures the project's role in providing unprecedented access to deep-sea ecosystems and includes the key insight potential
- Matches our prethinking by emphasizing both breakthrough access and significant discovery potential
As leader of the Deep Ocean Biodiversity Project, Dr. Chen will pioneer the use of advanced submersible technology to study Pacific Ocean hydrothermal vents.
✗ Incorrect
- Narrows focus specifically to Dr. Chen as an individual pioneer rather than the project's broader significance
- Emphasizes the technology itself rather than what the project will reveal
Scientists currently have incomplete knowledge of deep-sea biodiversity but have proposed theories about life's ability to adapt to extreme underwater conditions.
✗ Incorrect
- Focuses on current limitations in scientific knowledge rather than the project's potential impact
- Misses the forward-looking significance of the project