Why do sand cats purr but lions roar? Researchers hypothesize that this difference between the two feline species may be...
GMAT Craft and Structure : (Structure) Questions
Why do sand cats purr but lions roar? Researchers hypothesize that this difference between the two feline species may be partly due to a U-shaped bone in their throats called the hyoid. Sand cats, which are much smaller than lions, have a rigid hyoid that rumbles when the cat's larynx vibrates, resulting in a purr. By contrast, lions have a somewhat flexible hyoid, and the bone is attached to the skull with a stretchy ligament that sand cats lack. These traits allow lions and most other species of big cats to produce powerful roars. The same traits may also prevent most big cats from purring.
Which choice best describes the overall structure of the text?
The text presents a theory about two species, then discusses facts that weaken it.
The text compares the habitats of two species, then explains how those habitats are changing.
The text describes a behavior shared by two species, then discusses other behaviors shared by them.
The text poses a question about two species, then presents a possible answer.
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| "Why do sand cats purr but lions roar?" |
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| "Researchers hypothesize that this difference between the two feline species may be partly due to a U-shaped bone in their throats called the hyoid." |
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| "Sand cats, which are much smaller than lions, have a rigid hyoid that rumbles when the cat's larynx vibrates, resulting in a purr." |
|
| "By contrast, lions have a somewhat flexible hyoid, and the bone is attached to the skull with a stretchy ligament that sand cats lack." |
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| "These traits allow lions and most other species of big cats to produce powerful roars." |
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| "The same traits may also prevent most big cats from purring." |
|
Part B: Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: The difference between sand cats purring and lions roaring may be explained by structural differences in their hyoid bones.
Argument Flow: The passage opens with a behavioral question, then presents a hypothesis about anatomical differences. It systematically explains how each species' hyoid structure produces their respective vocalizations, showing how the same anatomical features that enable roaring may prevent purring.
Step 2: Interpret the Question Precisely
- What's being asked? How the text is organized and structured
- What type of answer do we need? A description of the passage's overall organizational pattern
- Any limiting keywords? "overall structure" tells us we need to capture the big picture flow
Step 3: Prethink the Answer
- The passage follows a clear pattern: it starts by asking a question about why two related animals behave differently, then provides a scientific explanation for that difference
- The structure moves from inquiry to explanation, with the hypothesis supported by detailed anatomical evidence
- The right answer should recognize this question-to-answer organizational pattern
The text presents a theory about two species, then discusses facts that weaken it.
- Claims the text presents a theory then discusses facts that weaken it
- The facts actually support and explain the theory about hyoid bone differences
- The anatomical details strengthen rather than weaken the hypothesis
The text compares the habitats of two species, then explains how those habitats are changing.
- Focuses on habitats and habitat changes
- The passage doesn't mention where these animals live or any environmental changes
- Completely misidentifies the content focus
The text describes a behavior shared by two species, then discusses other behaviors shared by them.
- Claims the text describes a shared behavior then other shared behaviors
- Purring and roaring are opposite behaviors, not shared ones
- This represents a trap where students might see "two species" and assume the passage is about similarities rather than differences
The text poses a question about two species, then presents a possible answer.
- Accurately captures the question-then-explanation structure
- The passage literally opens with "Why do sand cats purr but lions roar?" then provides the hyoid bone hypothesis as a possible answer
- Matches our prethinking about the inquiry-to-explanation flow