The following text is from marine biologist Dr. Elena Rodriguez's 2023 research journal describing her field observations of coral reef...
GMAT Craft and Structure : (Structure) Questions
The following text is from marine biologist Dr. Elena Rodriguez's 2023 research journal describing her field observations of coral reef systems.
The morning light revealed a single parrotfish methodically scraping algae from the coral surface, its rhythmic movements creating small puffs of sediment that drifted in the current. This behavior, I realized, exemplified the intricate balance sustaining the entire reef ecosystem. Each species here operates as both beneficiary and contributor, their individual actions creating the complex web of interdependence that has allowed these communities to thrive for millennia.
Which choice best describes the function of the underlined portion in the text as a whole?
It presents a specific observation that the researcher then uses to illustrate a broader ecological principle about reef systems.
It establishes a baseline behavior that the researcher will contrast with more complex ecosystem interactions.
It introduces an example of individual animal behavior to suggest that marine research often focuses on isolated phenomena.
It describes a routine feeding pattern to emphasize the predictable nature of marine animal behavior.
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| "The morning light revealed a single parrotfish methodically scraping algae from the coral surface, its rhythmic movements creating small puffs of sediment that drifted in the current." |
|
| "This behavior, I realized, exemplified the intricate balance sustaining the entire reef ecosystem." |
|
| "Each species here operates as both beneficiary and contributor, their individual actions creating the complex web of interdependence that has allowed these communities to thrive for millennia." |
|
Part B: Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: A specific parrotfish behavior demonstrates the broader principle of interdependent relationships that sustain coral reef ecosystems.
Argument Flow: Rodriguez moves from concrete to abstract - she presents a detailed observation of one animal's feeding behavior, then uses that specific example to illustrate how individual species actions contribute to the complex interdependent relationships that have sustained reef communities over thousands of years.
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
- Looking at our analysis, the underlined sentence gives us a very specific, detailed observation of one parrotfish's behavior
- Then Rodriguez immediately tells us this behavior "exemplified" a much broader ecological principle about reef balance and interdependence
- So the first sentence serves as a concrete example that supports her larger point about ecosystem relationships
- The right answer should recognize that this sentence provides a specific observation that the researcher then uses to make a broader point about reef ecosystems
- It's not just describing behavior for its own sake - it's setting up an example that will illustrate a bigger ecological concept
- So the right answer should identify this as a specific observation that supports or illustrates a broader principle about reef systems
It presents a specific observation that the researcher then uses to illustrate a broader ecological principle about reef systems.
✓ Correct
- Accurately describes the function - the sentence presents one specific parrotfish observation
- Correctly identifies that Rodriguez then uses this observation to illustrate the broader principle about ecosystem balance and interdependence
- Matches our prethinking perfectly - specific observation leads to broader ecological insight
It establishes a baseline behavior that the researcher will contrast with more complex ecosystem interactions.
✗ Incorrect
- Mischaracterizes the function as establishing a "baseline behavior" for contrast
- The passage doesn't contrast this behavior with more complex interactions - instead, Rodriguez uses it as an example of the complex interactions themselves
- What trap this represents: Students might think the simple parrotfish behavior will be contrasted with something more elaborate, but Rodriguez actually uses this "simple" behavior to demonstrate complexity
It introduces an example of individual animal behavior to suggest that marine research often focuses on isolated phenomena.
✗ Incorrect
- Completely misses the point - Rodriguez isn't suggesting marine research focuses on isolated phenomena
- She's doing the opposite - showing how individual behaviors connect to ecosystem-wide principles
- The behavior isn't presented as isolated but as part of the interconnected web
It describes a routine feeding pattern to emphasize the predictable nature of marine animal behavior.
✗ Incorrect
- Focuses only on the "routine feeding pattern" aspect and predictability
- Misses that Rodriguez uses this observation for a much larger purpose - to illustrate ecosystem interdependence
- What trap this represents: Students might focus too narrowly on what the parrotfish is doing rather than why Rodriguez is telling us about it