Common nameScientific nameBecame extinctHuiaHeteralocha acutirostris1907Caribbean monk sealMonachus tropicalis1952Passenger pigeonEctopistes migratori...
GMAT Information and Ideas : (Ideas) Questions
| Common name | Scientific name | Became extinct |
|---|---|---|
| Huia | Heteralocha acutirostris | 1907 |
| Caribbean monk seal | Monachus tropicalis | 1952 |
| Passenger pigeon | Ectopistes migratorius | 1914 |
| Saber-toothed cat | Smilodon | 11,000 years before present |
| Woolly mammoth | Mammuthus primigenius | 6,400 years before present |
The passage of time is among the many obstacles faced by scientists who are pursuing de-extinction efforts—that is, efforts to use breeding or a mixture of cloning and genetic engineering to bring back extinct species. Specifically, researchers are concerned that the longer a species has been extinct, the less likely it is that a suitable habitat still exists for that species. Among candidate species for de-extinction, this problem would be especially concerning for the ______
Which choice most effectively uses data from the table to complete the statement?
passenger pigeon (Ectopistes migratorius), which became extinct only a few years after the huia (Heteralocha acutirostris).
saber-toothed cat (Smilodon), which became extinct 11,000 years ago.
woolly mammoth (Mammuthus primigenius), which became extinct several thousand years before the saber-toothed cat (Smilodon).
Caribbean monk seal (Monachus tropicalis), which became extinct in 1952.
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| 'The passage of time is among the many obstacles faced by scientists who are pursuing de-extinction efforts—that is, efforts to use breeding or a mixture of cloning and genetic engineering to bring back extinct species.' |
|
| 'Specifically, researchers are concerned that the longer a species has been extinct, the less likely it is that a suitable habitat still exists for that species.' |
|
| 'Among candidate species for de-extinction, this problem would be especially concerning for the ______' |
|
Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: The longer a species has been extinct, the more challenging de-extinction becomes because suitable habitats are less likely to still exist.
Argument Flow: The passage establishes time as a major obstacle in de-extinction efforts, then narrows to the specific habitat concern, and finally asks us to apply this principle to identify which candidate species would face the greatest habitat-related challenges.
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 passage clearly states that longer extinction periods create bigger habitat concerns
- So we need to look at the extinction dates and find the species that's been extinct the longest
- The saber-toothed cat has been extinct for 11,000 years - far longer than any other species listed
- According to the passage's logic, this would make habitat availability the most concerning issue
passenger pigeon (Ectopistes migratorius), which became extinct only a few years after the huia (Heteralocha acutirostris).
✗ Incorrect
- Focuses on passenger pigeon and huia, both extinct in early 1900s
- These are among the most recently extinct species, contradicting the passage's principle that longer extinction periods create more habitat concerns
saber-toothed cat (Smilodon), which became extinct 11,000 years ago.
✓ Correct
- Identifies the saber-toothed cat, extinct 11,000 years ago
- This is by far the longest extinction period in the data and perfectly matches the passage's logic
woolly mammoth (Mammuthus primigenius), which became extinct several thousand years before the saber-toothed cat (Smilodon).
✗ Incorrect
- Incorrectly states woolly mammoth went extinct 'before' saber-toothed cat
- Data shows opposite: mammoth (6,400 years) vs saber-tooth (11,000 years)
Caribbean monk seal (Monachus tropicalis), which became extinct in 1952.
✗ Incorrect
- Caribbean monk seal extinct in 1952 - one of the most recent extinctions
- According to passage logic, recent extinctions should be less concerning for habitat issues