Twenty-three coral reef ecosystems in the Caribbean function as interconnected habitats, according to marine biologist Dr. Elena Vasquez and her...
GMAT Information and Ideas : (Ideas) Questions
Twenty-three coral reef ecosystems in the Caribbean function as interconnected habitats, according to marine biologist Dr. Elena Vasquez and her research team. These reef systems exhibit unusual biodiversity patterns while sharing critical environmental features: similar depths, comparable water temperatures, and identical algae species that form the base of their food webs. Regular migration of fish populations between the reefs creates a network of shared biological resources, which the scientists cite as evidence for the interconnected habitat designation.
Which choice best states the main idea of the text?
Scientists have determined that the coral reefs function as interconnected habitats based on their shared characteristics and fish migration patterns.
The Caribbean coral reefs that Dr. Vasquez studied appear to support more diverse marine life than other reef systems in the region.
While marine biologists have studied Caribbean coral reefs for decades, they have only recently discovered the fish migration patterns that connect them.
Dr. Vasquez's research has shown that the coral reefs were designed to match the characteristics of a central reef system.
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| 'Twenty-three coral reef ecosystems in the Caribbean function as interconnected habitats, according to marine biologist Dr. Elena Vasquez and her research team.' |
|
| 'These reef systems exhibit unusual biodiversity patterns while sharing critical environmental features: similar depths, comparable water temperatures, and identical algae species that form the base of their food webs.' |
|
| 'Regular migration of fish populations between the reefs creates a network of shared biological resources, which the scientists cite as evidence for the interconnected habitat designation.' |
|
Part B: Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: Scientists have determined that 23 Caribbean coral reef ecosystems function as interconnected habitats based on shared environmental features and fish migration patterns.
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 that scientists have concluded that these Caribbean coral reefs work as interconnected habitats
- It should also reference the evidence they used to reach this conclusion - both the shared environmental characteristics and especially the fish migration patterns that create shared resources
Scientists have determined that the coral reefs function as interconnected habitats based on their shared characteristics and fish migration patterns.
✓ Correct
- Accurately states that scientists determined the reefs function as interconnected habitats
- Includes both key pieces of evidence: shared characteristics and fish migration patterns
- Matches our prethinking perfectly by presenting both the conclusion and the supporting evidence
The Caribbean coral reefs that Dr. Vasquez studied appear to support more diverse marine life than other reef systems in the region.
✗ Incorrect
- Focuses on biodiversity comparison with other reef systems
- The passage mentions 'unusual biodiversity patterns' but doesn't compare these reefs to others
- Trap: Students might focus on 'biodiversity' without recognizing the passage's main focus is interconnection
While marine biologists have studied Caribbean coral reefs for decades, they have only recently discovered the fish migration patterns that connect them.
✗ Incorrect
- Suggests the fish migration discovery is recent
- The passage gives no timeline information about when these migration patterns were discovered
- Misplaces emphasis on timing rather than the scientific conclusion
Dr. Vasquez's research has shown that the coral reefs were designed to match the characteristics of a central reef system.
✗ Incorrect
- Claims the reefs were 'designed to match' a central system
- The passage describes natural sharing of characteristics, not engineered matching
- Misrepresents the scientific finding as artificial design rather than natural interconnection