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Directions: Read the given passage carefully and answer the question as follow.
In considering the origin of species, it is quite conceivable that a naturalist, reflecting on the mutual affinities of organic beings, on their embryological relations, their geographical distribution, geological succession, and other such facts, might come to the conclusion that each species had not been independently created, but had descended, like varieties, from other species. Nevertheless, such a conclusion, even if well founded, would be unsatisfactory, until it could be shown how the innumerable species inhabiting this world have been modified, so as to acquire that perfection of structure and co adaptation which most justly excites our admiration.
Naturalists continually refer to external conditions, such as climate, food, etc., as the only possible cause of variation. In one very limited sense, this may be true; but it is preposterous to attribute to mere external conditions, the structure, for instance, of the woodpecker, with its feet, tail, beak, and tongue, so admirably adapted to catch insects under the bark of trees. In the case of the mistletoe, which draws its nourishment from certain trees, which has seeds that must be transported by certain birds, and which has flowers with separate sexes absolutely requiring the agency of certain insects to bring pollen from one flower to the other, it is equally preposterous to account for the structure of this parasite, with its relations to several distinct organic beings, by the effects of external conditions, or of habit, or of the volition of the plant itself.
Q. Which of the following can be inferred from the information in the passage?
  • a)
    Most naturalists believe that each species has been created independently of the others.
  • b)
    The unique characteristics of the mistletoe can, to a large extent, be explained as being the result of its external conditions.
  • c)
    The commonly accepted belief amongst naturalists about the origin of species is sufficient to explain the existence of all species.
  • d)
    The woodpecker was most likely created independently and has not descended from any other species.
  • e)
    The mistletoe cannot reproduce by itself but needs the assistance of other species.
Correct answer is option 'E'. Can you explain this answer?
Most Upvoted Answer
Directions: Read the given passage carefully and answer the question a...
The last part of the second para clearly explains that the mistletoe has flowers having separate sexes, so it needs the assistance of certain insects to bring pollen from one flower to the other. It obviously can’t do so on its own. Thus, (E) is the correct answer.
(A) Opposite. Most naturalists believe that each species has descended from some other species.
(B) Opposite. The author states, in the last sentence of the passage, that the unique characteristics of the woodpecker and the mistletoe cannot be explained merely as the effect of external conditions.
(C) Opposite. According to the author, this commonly accepted belief is clearly not sufficient to explain the existence of species such as the woodpecker and the mistletoe.
(D) This may or may not be true but cannot be ascertained for sure from the passage.
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Community Answer
Directions: Read the given passage carefully and answer the question a...
The last part of the second para clearly explains that the mistletoe has flowers having separate sexes, so it needs the assistance of certain insects to bring pollen from one flower to the other. It obviously can’t do so on its own. Thus, (E) is the correct answer.
(A) Opposite. Most naturalists believe that each species has descended from some other species.
(B) Opposite. The author states, in the last sentence of the passage, that the unique characteristics of the woodpecker and the mistletoe cannot be explained merely as the effect of external conditions.
(C) Opposite. According to the author, this commonly accepted belief is clearly not sufficient to explain the existence of species such as the woodpecker and the mistletoe.
(D) This may or may not be true but cannot be ascertained for sure from the passage.
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Directions: Read the given passage carefully and answer the question as follow.In considering the origin of species, it is quite conceivable that a naturalist, reflecting on the mutual affinities of organic beings, on their embryological relations, their geographical distribution, geological succession, and other such facts, might come to the conclusion that each species had not been independently created, but had descended, like varieties, from other species. Nevertheless, such a conclusion, even if well founded, would be unsatisfactory, until it could be shown how the innumerable species inhabiting this world have been modified, so as to acquire that perfection of structure and co adaptation which most justly excites our admiration.Naturalists continually refer to external conditions, such as climate, food, etc., as the only possible cause of variation. In one very limited sense, this may be true; but it is preposterous to attribute to mere external conditions, the structure, for instance, of the woodpecker, with its feet, tail, beak, and tongue, so admirably adapted to catch insects under the bark of trees. In the case of the mistletoe, which draws its nourishment from certain trees, which has seeds that must be transported by certain birds, and which has flowers with separate sexes absolutely requiring the agency of certain insects to bring pollen from one flower to the other, it is equally preposterous to account for the structure of this parasite, with its relations to several distinct organic beings, by the effects of external conditions, or of habit, or of the volition of the plant itself.Q.Which of the following can be inferred from the information in the passage?a)Most naturalists believe that each species has been created independently of the others.b)The unique characteristics of the mistletoe can, to a large extent, be explained as being the result of its external conditions.c)The commonly accepted belief amongst naturalists about the origin of species is sufficient to explain the existence of all species.d)The woodpecker was most likely created independently and has not descended from any other species.e)The mistletoe cannot reproduce by itself but needs the assistance of other species.Correct answer is option 'E'. Can you explain this answer?
Question Description
Directions: Read the given passage carefully and answer the question as follow.In considering the origin of species, it is quite conceivable that a naturalist, reflecting on the mutual affinities of organic beings, on their embryological relations, their geographical distribution, geological succession, and other such facts, might come to the conclusion that each species had not been independently created, but had descended, like varieties, from other species. Nevertheless, such a conclusion, even if well founded, would be unsatisfactory, until it could be shown how the innumerable species inhabiting this world have been modified, so as to acquire that perfection of structure and co adaptation which most justly excites our admiration.Naturalists continually refer to external conditions, such as climate, food, etc., as the only possible cause of variation. In one very limited sense, this may be true; but it is preposterous to attribute to mere external conditions, the structure, for instance, of the woodpecker, with its feet, tail, beak, and tongue, so admirably adapted to catch insects under the bark of trees. In the case of the mistletoe, which draws its nourishment from certain trees, which has seeds that must be transported by certain birds, and which has flowers with separate sexes absolutely requiring the agency of certain insects to bring pollen from one flower to the other, it is equally preposterous to account for the structure of this parasite, with its relations to several distinct organic beings, by the effects of external conditions, or of habit, or of the volition of the plant itself.Q.Which of the following can be inferred from the information in the passage?a)Most naturalists believe that each species has been created independently of the others.b)The unique characteristics of the mistletoe can, to a large extent, be explained as being the result of its external conditions.c)The commonly accepted belief amongst naturalists about the origin of species is sufficient to explain the existence of all species.d)The woodpecker was most likely created independently and has not descended from any other species.e)The mistletoe cannot reproduce by itself but needs the assistance of other species.Correct answer is option 'E'. Can you explain this answer? for GMAT 2024 is part of GMAT preparation. The Question and answers have been prepared according to the GMAT exam syllabus. Information about Directions: Read the given passage carefully and answer the question as follow.In considering the origin of species, it is quite conceivable that a naturalist, reflecting on the mutual affinities of organic beings, on their embryological relations, their geographical distribution, geological succession, and other such facts, might come to the conclusion that each species had not been independently created, but had descended, like varieties, from other species. Nevertheless, such a conclusion, even if well founded, would be unsatisfactory, until it could be shown how the innumerable species inhabiting this world have been modified, so as to acquire that perfection of structure and co adaptation which most justly excites our admiration.Naturalists continually refer to external conditions, such as climate, food, etc., as the only possible cause of variation. In one very limited sense, this may be true; but it is preposterous to attribute to mere external conditions, the structure, for instance, of the woodpecker, with its feet, tail, beak, and tongue, so admirably adapted to catch insects under the bark of trees. In the case of the mistletoe, which draws its nourishment from certain trees, which has seeds that must be transported by certain birds, and which has flowers with separate sexes absolutely requiring the agency of certain insects to bring pollen from one flower to the other, it is equally preposterous to account for the structure of this parasite, with its relations to several distinct organic beings, by the effects of external conditions, or of habit, or of the volition of the plant itself.Q.Which of the following can be inferred from the information in the passage?a)Most naturalists believe that each species has been created independently of the others.b)The unique characteristics of the mistletoe can, to a large extent, be explained as being the result of its external conditions.c)The commonly accepted belief amongst naturalists about the origin of species is sufficient to explain the existence of all species.d)The woodpecker was most likely created independently and has not descended from any other species.e)The mistletoe cannot reproduce by itself but needs the assistance of other species.Correct answer is option 'E'. Can you explain this answer? covers all topics & solutions for GMAT 2024 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, meanings, examples, exercises and tests below for Directions: Read the given passage carefully and answer the question as follow.In considering the origin of species, it is quite conceivable that a naturalist, reflecting on the mutual affinities of organic beings, on their embryological relations, their geographical distribution, geological succession, and other such facts, might come to the conclusion that each species had not been independently created, but had descended, like varieties, from other species. Nevertheless, such a conclusion, even if well founded, would be unsatisfactory, until it could be shown how the innumerable species inhabiting this world have been modified, so as to acquire that perfection of structure and co adaptation which most justly excites our admiration.Naturalists continually refer to external conditions, such as climate, food, etc., as the only possible cause of variation. In one very limited sense, this may be true; but it is preposterous to attribute to mere external conditions, the structure, for instance, of the woodpecker, with its feet, tail, beak, and tongue, so admirably adapted to catch insects under the bark of trees. In the case of the mistletoe, which draws its nourishment from certain trees, which has seeds that must be transported by certain birds, and which has flowers with separate sexes absolutely requiring the agency of certain insects to bring pollen from one flower to the other, it is equally preposterous to account for the structure of this parasite, with its relations to several distinct organic beings, by the effects of external conditions, or of habit, or of the volition of the plant itself.Q.Which of the following can be inferred from the information in the passage?a)Most naturalists believe that each species has been created independently of the others.b)The unique characteristics of the mistletoe can, to a large extent, be explained as being the result of its external conditions.c)The commonly accepted belief amongst naturalists about the origin of species is sufficient to explain the existence of all species.d)The woodpecker was most likely created independently and has not descended from any other species.e)The mistletoe cannot reproduce by itself but needs the assistance of other species.Correct answer is option 'E'. Can you explain this answer?.
Solutions for Directions: Read the given passage carefully and answer the question as follow.In considering the origin of species, it is quite conceivable that a naturalist, reflecting on the mutual affinities of organic beings, on their embryological relations, their geographical distribution, geological succession, and other such facts, might come to the conclusion that each species had not been independently created, but had descended, like varieties, from other species. Nevertheless, such a conclusion, even if well founded, would be unsatisfactory, until it could be shown how the innumerable species inhabiting this world have been modified, so as to acquire that perfection of structure and co adaptation which most justly excites our admiration.Naturalists continually refer to external conditions, such as climate, food, etc., as the only possible cause of variation. In one very limited sense, this may be true; but it is preposterous to attribute to mere external conditions, the structure, for instance, of the woodpecker, with its feet, tail, beak, and tongue, so admirably adapted to catch insects under the bark of trees. In the case of the mistletoe, which draws its nourishment from certain trees, which has seeds that must be transported by certain birds, and which has flowers with separate sexes absolutely requiring the agency of certain insects to bring pollen from one flower to the other, it is equally preposterous to account for the structure of this parasite, with its relations to several distinct organic beings, by the effects of external conditions, or of habit, or of the volition of the plant itself.Q.Which of the following can be inferred from the information in the passage?a)Most naturalists believe that each species has been created independently of the others.b)The unique characteristics of the mistletoe can, to a large extent, be explained as being the result of its external conditions.c)The commonly accepted belief amongst naturalists about the origin of species is sufficient to explain the existence of all species.d)The woodpecker was most likely created independently and has not descended from any other species.e)The mistletoe cannot reproduce by itself but needs the assistance of other species.Correct answer is option 'E'. Can you explain this answer? in English & in Hindi are available as part of our courses for GMAT. Download more important topics, notes, lectures and mock test series for GMAT Exam by signing up for free.
Here you can find the meaning of Directions: Read the given passage carefully and answer the question as follow.In considering the origin of species, it is quite conceivable that a naturalist, reflecting on the mutual affinities of organic beings, on their embryological relations, their geographical distribution, geological succession, and other such facts, might come to the conclusion that each species had not been independently created, but had descended, like varieties, from other species. Nevertheless, such a conclusion, even if well founded, would be unsatisfactory, until it could be shown how the innumerable species inhabiting this world have been modified, so as to acquire that perfection of structure and co adaptation which most justly excites our admiration.Naturalists continually refer to external conditions, such as climate, food, etc., as the only possible cause of variation. In one very limited sense, this may be true; but it is preposterous to attribute to mere external conditions, the structure, for instance, of the woodpecker, with its feet, tail, beak, and tongue, so admirably adapted to catch insects under the bark of trees. In the case of the mistletoe, which draws its nourishment from certain trees, which has seeds that must be transported by certain birds, and which has flowers with separate sexes absolutely requiring the agency of certain insects to bring pollen from one flower to the other, it is equally preposterous to account for the structure of this parasite, with its relations to several distinct organic beings, by the effects of external conditions, or of habit, or of the volition of the plant itself.Q.Which of the following can be inferred from the information in the passage?a)Most naturalists believe that each species has been created independently of the others.b)The unique characteristics of the mistletoe can, to a large extent, be explained as being the result of its external conditions.c)The commonly accepted belief amongst naturalists about the origin of species is sufficient to explain the existence of all species.d)The woodpecker was most likely created independently and has not descended from any other species.e)The mistletoe cannot reproduce by itself but needs the assistance of other species.Correct answer is option 'E'. Can you explain this answer? defined & explained in the simplest way possible. Besides giving the explanation of Directions: Read the given passage carefully and answer the question as follow.In considering the origin of species, it is quite conceivable that a naturalist, reflecting on the mutual affinities of organic beings, on their embryological relations, their geographical distribution, geological succession, and other such facts, might come to the conclusion that each species had not been independently created, but had descended, like varieties, from other species. Nevertheless, such a conclusion, even if well founded, would be unsatisfactory, until it could be shown how the innumerable species inhabiting this world have been modified, so as to acquire that perfection of structure and co adaptation which most justly excites our admiration.Naturalists continually refer to external conditions, such as climate, food, etc., as the only possible cause of variation. In one very limited sense, this may be true; but it is preposterous to attribute to mere external conditions, the structure, for instance, of the woodpecker, with its feet, tail, beak, and tongue, so admirably adapted to catch insects under the bark of trees. In the case of the mistletoe, which draws its nourishment from certain trees, which has seeds that must be transported by certain birds, and which has flowers with separate sexes absolutely requiring the agency of certain insects to bring pollen from one flower to the other, it is equally preposterous to account for the structure of this parasite, with its relations to several distinct organic beings, by the effects of external conditions, or of habit, or of the volition of the plant itself.Q.Which of the following can be inferred from the information in the passage?a)Most naturalists believe that each species has been created independently of the others.b)The unique characteristics of the mistletoe can, to a large extent, be explained as being the result of its external conditions.c)The commonly accepted belief amongst naturalists about the origin of species is sufficient to explain the existence of all species.d)The woodpecker was most likely created independently and has not descended from any other species.e)The mistletoe cannot reproduce by itself but needs the assistance of other species.Correct answer is option 'E'. Can you explain this answer?, a detailed solution for Directions: Read the given passage carefully and answer the question as follow.In considering the origin of species, it is quite conceivable that a naturalist, reflecting on the mutual affinities of organic beings, on their embryological relations, their geographical distribution, geological succession, and other such facts, might come to the conclusion that each species had not been independently created, but had descended, like varieties, from other species. Nevertheless, such a conclusion, even if well founded, would be unsatisfactory, until it could be shown how the innumerable species inhabiting this world have been modified, so as to acquire that perfection of structure and co adaptation which most justly excites our admiration.Naturalists continually refer to external conditions, such as climate, food, etc., as the only possible cause of variation. In one very limited sense, this may be true; but it is preposterous to attribute to mere external conditions, the structure, for instance, of the woodpecker, with its feet, tail, beak, and tongue, so admirably adapted to catch insects under the bark of trees. In the case of the mistletoe, which draws its nourishment from certain trees, which has seeds that must be transported by certain birds, and which has flowers with separate sexes absolutely requiring the agency of certain insects to bring pollen from one flower to the other, it is equally preposterous to account for the structure of this parasite, with its relations to several distinct organic beings, by the effects of external conditions, or of habit, or of the volition of the plant itself.Q.Which of the following can be inferred from the information in the passage?a)Most naturalists believe that each species has been created independently of the others.b)The unique characteristics of the mistletoe can, to a large extent, be explained as being the result of its external conditions.c)The commonly accepted belief amongst naturalists about the origin of species is sufficient to explain the existence of all species.d)The woodpecker was most likely created independently and has not descended from any other species.e)The mistletoe cannot reproduce by itself but needs the assistance of other species.Correct answer is option 'E'. Can you explain this answer? has been provided alongside types of Directions: Read the given passage carefully and answer the question as follow.In considering the origin of species, it is quite conceivable that a naturalist, reflecting on the mutual affinities of organic beings, on their embryological relations, their geographical distribution, geological succession, and other such facts, might come to the conclusion that each species had not been independently created, but had descended, like varieties, from other species. Nevertheless, such a conclusion, even if well founded, would be unsatisfactory, until it could be shown how the innumerable species inhabiting this world have been modified, so as to acquire that perfection of structure and co adaptation which most justly excites our admiration.Naturalists continually refer to external conditions, such as climate, food, etc., as the only possible cause of variation. In one very limited sense, this may be true; but it is preposterous to attribute to mere external conditions, the structure, for instance, of the woodpecker, with its feet, tail, beak, and tongue, so admirably adapted to catch insects under the bark of trees. In the case of the mistletoe, which draws its nourishment from certain trees, which has seeds that must be transported by certain birds, and which has flowers with separate sexes absolutely requiring the agency of certain insects to bring pollen from one flower to the other, it is equally preposterous to account for the structure of this parasite, with its relations to several distinct organic beings, by the effects of external conditions, or of habit, or of the volition of the plant itself.Q.Which of the following can be inferred from the information in the passage?a)Most naturalists believe that each species has been created independently of the others.b)The unique characteristics of the mistletoe can, to a large extent, be explained as being the result of its external conditions.c)The commonly accepted belief amongst naturalists about the origin of species is sufficient to explain the existence of all species.d)The woodpecker was most likely created independently and has not descended from any other species.e)The mistletoe cannot reproduce by itself but needs the assistance of other species.Correct answer is option 'E'. Can you explain this answer? theory, EduRev gives you an ample number of questions to practice Directions: Read the given passage carefully and answer the question as follow.In considering the origin of species, it is quite conceivable that a naturalist, reflecting on the mutual affinities of organic beings, on their embryological relations, their geographical distribution, geological succession, and other such facts, might come to the conclusion that each species had not been independently created, but had descended, like varieties, from other species. Nevertheless, such a conclusion, even if well founded, would be unsatisfactory, until it could be shown how the innumerable species inhabiting this world have been modified, so as to acquire that perfection of structure and co adaptation which most justly excites our admiration.Naturalists continually refer to external conditions, such as climate, food, etc., as the only possible cause of variation. In one very limited sense, this may be true; but it is preposterous to attribute to mere external conditions, the structure, for instance, of the woodpecker, with its feet, tail, beak, and tongue, so admirably adapted to catch insects under the bark of trees. In the case of the mistletoe, which draws its nourishment from certain trees, which has seeds that must be transported by certain birds, and which has flowers with separate sexes absolutely requiring the agency of certain insects to bring pollen from one flower to the other, it is equally preposterous to account for the structure of this parasite, with its relations to several distinct organic beings, by the effects of external conditions, or of habit, or of the volition of the plant itself.Q.Which of the following can be inferred from the information in the passage?a)Most naturalists believe that each species has been created independently of the others.b)The unique characteristics of the mistletoe can, to a large extent, be explained as being the result of its external conditions.c)The commonly accepted belief amongst naturalists about the origin of species is sufficient to explain the existence of all species.d)The woodpecker was most likely created independently and has not descended from any other species.e)The mistletoe cannot reproduce by itself but needs the assistance of other species.Correct answer is option 'E'. 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