While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes:The Yellowstone Wolf Restoration Program was launched in 1995 by...
GMAT Expression of Ideas : (Expression) Questions
While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes:
- The Yellowstone Wolf Restoration Program was launched in 1995 by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
- Gray wolves had been completely eliminated from Yellowstone National Park by the 1920s due to predator control policies.
- The program's mission is to restore ecological balance by reintroducing wolves to their historic habitat.
- Biologists capture wolves from healthy populations in Canada and relocate them to designated areas within the park.
- The program utilizes radio collars and GPS tracking devices to monitor wolf pack movements and behavior patterns.
- Scientists collect detailed data on predation, territory establishment, and population dynamics to assess ecosystem recovery.
The student wants to explain the program's mission and methods. Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish this goal?
Launched in 1995, the Yellowstone Wolf Restoration Program addresses the complete elimination of gray wolves from the park by the 1920s through Canadian wolf relocation.
Aiming to restore ecological balance through wolf reintroduction, the program captures wolves from Canadian populations and uses radio collars and GPS tracking to monitor pack behavior and assess ecosystem recovery.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Yellowstone Wolf Restoration Program uses radio collars and GPS tracking devices to collect data on predation, territory, and population dynamics.
Gray wolves were eliminated from Yellowstone by the 1920s, prompting the 1995 launch of a restoration program that relocates Canadian wolves to designated park areas.
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| "The Yellowstone Wolf Restoration Program was launched in 1995 by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service." |
|
| "Gray wolves had been completely eliminated from Yellowstone National Park by the 1920s due to predator control policies." |
|
| "The program's mission is to restore ecological balance by reintroducing wolves to their historic habitat." |
|
| "Biologists capture wolves from healthy populations in Canada and relocate them to designated areas within the park." |
|
| "The program utilizes radio collars and GPS tracking devices to monitor wolf pack movements and behavior patterns." |
|
| "Scientists collect detailed data on predation, territory establishment, and population dynamics to assess ecosystem recovery." |
|
Part B: Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: The Yellowstone Wolf Restoration Program aims to restore ecological balance by capturing Canadian wolves and using advanced monitoring technology to track their reintroduction to the park.
Argument Flow: The notes establish the program's basic facts and historical context (wolf elimination by 1920s), then clearly state its mission (restore ecological balance), and finally detail the comprehensive methods used - from acquisition of Canadian wolves to sophisticated monitoring and data collection systems.
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 choice needs to accomplish two specific things:
- State the mission clearly: The program aims to restore ecological balance through wolf reintroduction to their historic habitat
- Include multiple methods: Should mention both the acquisition process (capturing Canadian wolves) and the monitoring/assessment techniques (radio collars, GPS tracking, data collection)
Launched in 1995, the Yellowstone Wolf Restoration Program addresses the complete elimination of gray wolves from the park by the 1920s through Canadian wolf relocation.
✗ Incorrect
- Focuses primarily on the problem (wolf elimination) and basic solution (relocation)
- Missing the explicit mission statement about restoring ecological balance and monitoring methods
Aiming to restore ecological balance through wolf reintroduction, the program captures wolves from Canadian populations and uses radio collars and GPS tracking to monitor pack behavior and assess ecosystem recovery.
✓ Correct
- Opens with clear mission statement about restoring ecological balance
- Includes acquisition method (captures wolves from Canadian populations)
- Includes monitoring methods (radio collars and GPS tracking)
- Connects methods to purpose
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Yellowstone Wolf Restoration Program uses radio collars and GPS tracking devices to collect data on predation, territory, and population dynamics.
✗ Incorrect
- Focuses entirely on monitoring methods and data collection
- Missing the program's mission/purpose entirely
Gray wolves were eliminated from Yellowstone by the 1920s, prompting the 1995 launch of a restoration program that relocates Canadian wolves to designated park areas.
✗ Incorrect
- Emphasizes historical context and basic program launch
- Doesn't state the ecological balance mission explicitly
- Lacks monitoring/assessment details