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Direction: Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions given below it. 
In 2010, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) discovered a new species of bacteria, called the GFAJ-1 strain, that for a while promised to change our understanding of how living things survive. Deep in the waters of Mono Lake in California, NASA scientists discovered a form of bacteria that seemed to use arsenic, plentiful in its habitat, to make DNA and proteins. Most life forms are made from six main building blocks: carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen, sulfur, and phosphorus. Arsenic is toxic to most known organisms, but the GFAJ-1 strain can tolerate high concentrations of arsenic, and initial studies suggested that it could even incorporate the chemical into its cells. Some scientists claimed that this discovery had opened new possibilities for life elsewhere in the universe, as the existence of such a microbe would show that organisms can exist in chemical environments that scientists may not have considered.
Q. Which of the following statements best summarizes the passage?
  • a)
    The presence of arsenic-based bacteria would prove that there is life on other planets.
  • b)
    Scientists have discovered that arsenic is not toxic to most known organisms.
  • c)
    Claims made about the GFAJ-1 strain challenged scientists’ perception of how living organisms survive.
  • d)
    If GFAJ-1 were established as using arsenic to build its DNA, scientists would need to consider adding this element to the six main building blocks of life.
  • e)
    The ecosystem of Mono Lake is a scientific phenomenon that scientists will be studying for years.
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?
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Direction: Read the following passage carefully and answer the questio...
This question asks you to identify the most accurate summary of the passage. Use your summary of the topic, scope, and purpose of the passage as a prediction of the correct answer. This author is writing to inform the reader about a discovery that was initially exciting: scientists discovered a new bacterium that seemed to have the remarkable ability to use arsenic, and this discovery challenged assumptions about the building blocks of life. That matches the correct answer, (C). Choice (A) is extreme; the passage states that the new discovery introduced new possibilities for life in other parts of our universe, but it does not state that this discovery would prove that there is life in other parts of our universe. (B) contradicts the passage; in fact, "[a]rsenic is toxic to most known organisms." (D) does not reflect the passage’s main point, which is broader than how many elements can be considered "building blocks of life." (E) misses the boat by focusing on a detail in the passage and making a prediction that is not supported.
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Directions: Answer the questions based on following reading passage.Until recently, many anthropologists assumed that the environment of what is now the southwestern United States shaped the social history and culture of the region’s indigenous peoples. Building on this assumption, archaeologists asserted that adverse environmental conditions and droughts were responsible for the disappearances and migrations of southwestern populations from many sites they once inhabited.However, such deterministic arguments fail to acknowledge that local environmental variability in the Southwest makes generalizing about that environment difficult. To examine the relationship between environmental variation and sociocultural change in the Western Pueblo region of central Arizona, which indigenous tribes have occupied continuously for at least 800 years, a research team recently reconstructed the climatic, vegetational, and erosional cycles of past centuries. The researchers found it impossible to provide a single, generally applicable characterization of environmental conditions for the region. Rather, they found that local areas experienced different patterns of rainfall, wind, and erosion, and that such conditions had prevailed in the Southwest for the last 1,400 years. Rainfall, for example, varied within and between local valley systems, so that even adjacent agricultural fields can produce significantly different yields.The researchers characterized episodes of variation in southwestern environments by frequency: low-frequency environmental processes occur in cycles longer than one human generation, which generally is considered to last about 25 years, and high frequency processes have shorter cycles. The researchers pointed out that low-frequency processes, such as fluctuations in stream flow and groundwater levels, would not usually be apparent to human populations. In contrast, high-frequency fluctuations such as seasonal temperature variations are observable and somewhat predictable, so that groups could have adapted their behaviors accordingly. When the researchers compared sequences of sociocultural change in the Western Pueblo region with episodes of low- and high-frequency environmental variation, however, they found no simple correlation between environmental process and sociocultural change or persistence.Although early Pueblo peoples did protect themselves against environmental risk and uncertainty, they responded variously on different occasions to similar patterns of high frequency climatic and environmental change. The researchers identified seven major adaptive responses, including increased mobility, relocation of permanent settlements, changes in subsistence foods, and reliance on trade with other groups. These findings suggest that groups’ adaptive choices depended on cultural and social as well as environmental factors and were flexible strategies rather than uncomplicated reactions to environmental change. Environmental conditions mattered, but they were rarely, if ever, sufficient to account for sociocultural persistence and change. Group size and composition, culture, contact with other groups, and individual choices and actions were— barring catastrophes such as floods or earthquakes—more significant for a population’s survival than were climate and environment.Q. Which of the following findings would most strongly support the assertion made by the archaeologists mentioned in line 3?

Directions: Answer the questions based on following reading passage.Until recently, many anthropologists assumed that the environment of what is now the southwestern United States shaped the social history and culture of the region’s indigenous peoples. Building on this assumption, archaeologists asserted that adverse environmental conditions and droughts were responsible for the disappearances and migrations of southwestern populations from many sites they once inhabited.However, such deterministic arguments fail to acknowledge that local environmental variability in the Southwest makes generalizing about that environment difficult. To examine the relationship between environmental variation and sociocultural change in the Western Pueblo region of central Arizona, which indigenous tribes have occupied continuously for at least 800 years, a research team recently reconstructed the climatic, vegetational, and erosional cycles of past centuries. The researchers found it impossible to provide a single, generally applicable characterization of environmental conditions for the region. Rather, they found that local areas experienced different patterns of rainfall, wind, and erosion, and that such conditions had prevailed in the Southwest for the last 1,400 years. Rainfall, for example, varied within and between local valley systems, so that even adjacent agricultural fields can produce significantly different yields.The researchers characterized episodes of variation in southwestern environments by frequency: low-frequency environmental processes occur in cycles longer than one human generation, which generally is considered to last about 25 years, and high frequency processes have shorter cycles. The researchers pointed out that low-frequency processes, such as fluctuations in stream flow and groundwater levels, would not usually be apparent to human populations. In contrast, high-frequency fluctuations such as seasonal temperature variations are observable and somewhat predictable, so that groups could have adapted their behaviors accordingly. When the researchers compared sequences of sociocultural change in the Western Pueblo region with episodes of low- and high-frequency environmental variation, however, they found no simple correlation between environmental process and sociocultural change or persistence.Although early Pueblo peoples did protect themselves against environmental risk and uncertainty, they responded variously on different occasions to similar patterns of highfrequency climatic and environmental change. The researchers identified seven major adaptive responses, including increased mobility, relocation of permanent settlements, changes in subsistence foods, and reliance on trade with other groups. These findings suggest that groups’ adaptive choices depended on cultural and social as well as environmental factors and were flexible strategies rather than uncomplicated reactions to environmental change. Environmental conditions mattered, but they were rarely, if ever, sufficient to account for sociocultural persistence and change. Group size and composition, culture, contact with other groups, and individual choices and actions were— barring catastrophes such as floods or earthquakes—more significant for a population’s survival than were climate and environment.Q. The passage is primarily concerned with

Directions: Answer the questions based on following reading passage.Until recently, many anthropologists assumed that the environment of what is now the southwestern United States shaped the social history and culture of the region’s indigenous peoples. Building on this assumption, archaeologists asserted that adverse environmental conditions and droughts were responsible for the disappearances and migrations of southwestern populations from many sites they once inhabited.However, such deterministic arguments fail to acknowledge that local environmental variability in the Southwest makes generalizing about that environment difficult. To examine the relationship between environmental variation and sociocultural change in the Western Pueblo region of central Arizona, which indigenous tribes have occupied continuously for at least 800 years, a research team recently reconstructed the climatic, vegetational, and erosional cycles of past centuries. The researchers found it impossible to provide a single, generally applicable characterization of environmental conditions for the region. Rather, they found that local areas experienced different patterns of rainfall, wind, and erosion, and that such conditions had prevailed in the Southwest for the last 1,400 years. Rainfall, for example, varied within and between local valley systems, so that even adjacent agricultural fields can produce significantly different yields.The researchers characterized episodes of variation in southwestern environments by frequency: low-frequency environmental processes occur in cycles longer than one human generation, which generally is considered to last about 25 years, and high frequency processes have shorter cycles. The researchers pointed out that low-frequency processes, such as fluctuations in stream flow and groundwater levels, would not usually be apparent to human populations. In contrast, high-frequency fluctuations such as seasonal temperature variations are observable and somewhat predictable, so that groups could have adapted their behaviors accordingly. When the researchers compared sequences of sociocultural change in the Western Pueblo region with episodes of low- and high-frequency environmental variation, however, they found no simple correlation between environmental process and sociocultural change or persistence.Although early Pueblo peoples did protect themselves against environmental risk and uncertainty, they responded variously on different occasions to similar patterns of high frequency climatic and environmental change. The researchers identified seven major adaptive responses, including increased mobility, relocation of permanent settlements, changes in subsistence foods, and reliance on trade with other groups. These findings suggest that groups’ adaptive choices depended on cultural and social as well as environmental factors and were flexible strategies rather than uncomplicated reactions to environmental change. Environmental conditions mattered, but they were rarely, if ever, sufficient to account for sociocultural persistence and change. Group size and composition, culture, contact with other groups, and individual choices and actions were— barring catastrophes such as floods or earthquakes—more significant for a population’s survival than were climate and environment.Q. It can be inferred from the passage that which of the following activities is NOT an example of a population responding to high-frequency environmental processes?

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Direction: Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions given below it.In 2010, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) discovered a new species of bacteria, called the GFAJ-1 strain, that for a while promised to change our understanding of how living things survive. Deep in the waters of Mono Lake in California, NASA scientists discovered a form of bacteria that seemed to use arsenic, plentiful in its habitat, to make DNA and proteins. Most life forms are made from six main building blocks: carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen, sulfur, and phosphorus. Arsenic is toxic to most known organisms, but the GFAJ-1 strain can tolerate high concentrations of arsenic, and initial studies suggested that it could even incorporate thechemical into its cells. Some scientists claimed that this discovery had opened new possibilities for life elsewhere in the universe, as the existence of such a microbe would show that organisms can exist in chemical environments that scientists may not have considered.Q.Which of the following statements best summarizes the passage?a)The presence of arsenic-based bacteria would prove that there is life on other planets.b)Scientists have discovered that arsenic is not toxic to most known organisms.c)Claims made about the GFAJ-1 strain challenged scientists’ perception of how living organisms survive.d)If GFAJ-1 were established as using arsenic to build its DNA, scientists would need to consider adding this element to the six main building blocks of life.e)The ecosystem of Mono Lake is a scientific phenomenon that scientists will be studying for years.Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?
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Direction: Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions given below it.In 2010, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) discovered a new species of bacteria, called the GFAJ-1 strain, that for a while promised to change our understanding of how living things survive. Deep in the waters of Mono Lake in California, NASA scientists discovered a form of bacteria that seemed to use arsenic, plentiful in its habitat, to make DNA and proteins. Most life forms are made from six main building blocks: carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen, sulfur, and phosphorus. Arsenic is toxic to most known organisms, but the GFAJ-1 strain can tolerate high concentrations of arsenic, and initial studies suggested that it could even incorporate thechemical into its cells. Some scientists claimed that this discovery had opened new possibilities for life elsewhere in the universe, as the existence of such a microbe would show that organisms can exist in chemical environments that scientists may not have considered.Q.Which of the following statements best summarizes the passage?a)The presence of arsenic-based bacteria would prove that there is life on other planets.b)Scientists have discovered that arsenic is not toxic to most known organisms.c)Claims made about the GFAJ-1 strain challenged scientists’ perception of how living organisms survive.d)If GFAJ-1 were established as using arsenic to build its DNA, scientists would need to consider adding this element to the six main building blocks of life.e)The ecosystem of Mono Lake is a scientific phenomenon that scientists will be studying for years.Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? for GRE 2024 is part of GRE preparation. The Question and answers have been prepared according to the GRE exam syllabus. Information about Direction: Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions given below it.In 2010, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) discovered a new species of bacteria, called the GFAJ-1 strain, that for a while promised to change our understanding of how living things survive. Deep in the waters of Mono Lake in California, NASA scientists discovered a form of bacteria that seemed to use arsenic, plentiful in its habitat, to make DNA and proteins. Most life forms are made from six main building blocks: carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen, sulfur, and phosphorus. Arsenic is toxic to most known organisms, but the GFAJ-1 strain can tolerate high concentrations of arsenic, and initial studies suggested that it could even incorporate thechemical into its cells. Some scientists claimed that this discovery had opened new possibilities for life elsewhere in the universe, as the existence of such a microbe would show that organisms can exist in chemical environments that scientists may not have considered.Q.Which of the following statements best summarizes the passage?a)The presence of arsenic-based bacteria would prove that there is life on other planets.b)Scientists have discovered that arsenic is not toxic to most known organisms.c)Claims made about the GFAJ-1 strain challenged scientists’ perception of how living organisms survive.d)If GFAJ-1 were established as using arsenic to build its DNA, scientists would need to consider adding this element to the six main building blocks of life.e)The ecosystem of Mono Lake is a scientific phenomenon that scientists will be studying for years.Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? covers all topics & solutions for GRE 2024 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, meanings, examples, exercises and tests below for Direction: Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions given below it.In 2010, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) discovered a new species of bacteria, called the GFAJ-1 strain, that for a while promised to change our understanding of how living things survive. Deep in the waters of Mono Lake in California, NASA scientists discovered a form of bacteria that seemed to use arsenic, plentiful in its habitat, to make DNA and proteins. Most life forms are made from six main building blocks: carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen, sulfur, and phosphorus. Arsenic is toxic to most known organisms, but the GFAJ-1 strain can tolerate high concentrations of arsenic, and initial studies suggested that it could even incorporate thechemical into its cells. Some scientists claimed that this discovery had opened new possibilities for life elsewhere in the universe, as the existence of such a microbe would show that organisms can exist in chemical environments that scientists may not have considered.Q.Which of the following statements best summarizes the passage?a)The presence of arsenic-based bacteria would prove that there is life on other planets.b)Scientists have discovered that arsenic is not toxic to most known organisms.c)Claims made about the GFAJ-1 strain challenged scientists’ perception of how living organisms survive.d)If GFAJ-1 were established as using arsenic to build its DNA, scientists would need to consider adding this element to the six main building blocks of life.e)The ecosystem of Mono Lake is a scientific phenomenon that scientists will be studying for years.Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?.
Solutions for Direction: Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions given below it.In 2010, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) discovered a new species of bacteria, called the GFAJ-1 strain, that for a while promised to change our understanding of how living things survive. Deep in the waters of Mono Lake in California, NASA scientists discovered a form of bacteria that seemed to use arsenic, plentiful in its habitat, to make DNA and proteins. Most life forms are made from six main building blocks: carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen, sulfur, and phosphorus. Arsenic is toxic to most known organisms, but the GFAJ-1 strain can tolerate high concentrations of arsenic, and initial studies suggested that it could even incorporate thechemical into its cells. Some scientists claimed that this discovery had opened new possibilities for life elsewhere in the universe, as the existence of such a microbe would show that organisms can exist in chemical environments that scientists may not have considered.Q.Which of the following statements best summarizes the passage?a)The presence of arsenic-based bacteria would prove that there is life on other planets.b)Scientists have discovered that arsenic is not toxic to most known organisms.c)Claims made about the GFAJ-1 strain challenged scientists’ perception of how living organisms survive.d)If GFAJ-1 were established as using arsenic to build its DNA, scientists would need to consider adding this element to the six main building blocks of life.e)The ecosystem of Mono Lake is a scientific phenomenon that scientists will be studying for years.Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? in English & in Hindi are available as part of our courses for GRE. Download more important topics, notes, lectures and mock test series for GRE Exam by signing up for free.
Here you can find the meaning of Direction: Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions given below it.In 2010, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) discovered a new species of bacteria, called the GFAJ-1 strain, that for a while promised to change our understanding of how living things survive. Deep in the waters of Mono Lake in California, NASA scientists discovered a form of bacteria that seemed to use arsenic, plentiful in its habitat, to make DNA and proteins. Most life forms are made from six main building blocks: carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen, sulfur, and phosphorus. Arsenic is toxic to most known organisms, but the GFAJ-1 strain can tolerate high concentrations of arsenic, and initial studies suggested that it could even incorporate thechemical into its cells. Some scientists claimed that this discovery had opened new possibilities for life elsewhere in the universe, as the existence of such a microbe would show that organisms can exist in chemical environments that scientists may not have considered.Q.Which of the following statements best summarizes the passage?a)The presence of arsenic-based bacteria would prove that there is life on other planets.b)Scientists have discovered that arsenic is not toxic to most known organisms.c)Claims made about the GFAJ-1 strain challenged scientists’ perception of how living organisms survive.d)If GFAJ-1 were established as using arsenic to build its DNA, scientists would need to consider adding this element to the six main building blocks of life.e)The ecosystem of Mono Lake is a scientific phenomenon that scientists will be studying for years.Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? defined & explained in the simplest way possible. Besides giving the explanation of Direction: Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions given below it.In 2010, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) discovered a new species of bacteria, called the GFAJ-1 strain, that for a while promised to change our understanding of how living things survive. Deep in the waters of Mono Lake in California, NASA scientists discovered a form of bacteria that seemed to use arsenic, plentiful in its habitat, to make DNA and proteins. Most life forms are made from six main building blocks: carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen, sulfur, and phosphorus. Arsenic is toxic to most known organisms, but the GFAJ-1 strain can tolerate high concentrations of arsenic, and initial studies suggested that it could even incorporate thechemical into its cells. Some scientists claimed that this discovery had opened new possibilities for life elsewhere in the universe, as the existence of such a microbe would show that organisms can exist in chemical environments that scientists may not have considered.Q.Which of the following statements best summarizes the passage?a)The presence of arsenic-based bacteria would prove that there is life on other planets.b)Scientists have discovered that arsenic is not toxic to most known organisms.c)Claims made about the GFAJ-1 strain challenged scientists’ perception of how living organisms survive.d)If GFAJ-1 were established as using arsenic to build its DNA, scientists would need to consider adding this element to the six main building blocks of life.e)The ecosystem of Mono Lake is a scientific phenomenon that scientists will be studying for years.Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?, a detailed solution for Direction: Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions given below it.In 2010, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) discovered a new species of bacteria, called the GFAJ-1 strain, that for a while promised to change our understanding of how living things survive. Deep in the waters of Mono Lake in California, NASA scientists discovered a form of bacteria that seemed to use arsenic, plentiful in its habitat, to make DNA and proteins. Most life forms are made from six main building blocks: carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen, sulfur, and phosphorus. Arsenic is toxic to most known organisms, but the GFAJ-1 strain can tolerate high concentrations of arsenic, and initial studies suggested that it could even incorporate thechemical into its cells. Some scientists claimed that this discovery had opened new possibilities for life elsewhere in the universe, as the existence of such a microbe would show that organisms can exist in chemical environments that scientists may not have considered.Q.Which of the following statements best summarizes the passage?a)The presence of arsenic-based bacteria would prove that there is life on other planets.b)Scientists have discovered that arsenic is not toxic to most known organisms.c)Claims made about the GFAJ-1 strain challenged scientists’ perception of how living organisms survive.d)If GFAJ-1 were established as using arsenic to build its DNA, scientists would need to consider adding this element to the six main building blocks of life.e)The ecosystem of Mono Lake is a scientific phenomenon that scientists will be studying for years.Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? has been provided alongside types of Direction: Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions given below it.In 2010, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) discovered a new species of bacteria, called the GFAJ-1 strain, that for a while promised to change our understanding of how living things survive. Deep in the waters of Mono Lake in California, NASA scientists discovered a form of bacteria that seemed to use arsenic, plentiful in its habitat, to make DNA and proteins. Most life forms are made from six main building blocks: carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen, sulfur, and phosphorus. Arsenic is toxic to most known organisms, but the GFAJ-1 strain can tolerate high concentrations of arsenic, and initial studies suggested that it could even incorporate thechemical into its cells. Some scientists claimed that this discovery had opened new possibilities for life elsewhere in the universe, as the existence of such a microbe would show that organisms can exist in chemical environments that scientists may not have considered.Q.Which of the following statements best summarizes the passage?a)The presence of arsenic-based bacteria would prove that there is life on other planets.b)Scientists have discovered that arsenic is not toxic to most known organisms.c)Claims made about the GFAJ-1 strain challenged scientists’ perception of how living organisms survive.d)If GFAJ-1 were established as using arsenic to build its DNA, scientists would need to consider adding this element to the six main building blocks of life.e)The ecosystem of Mono Lake is a scientific phenomenon that scientists will be studying for years.Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? theory, EduRev gives you an ample number of questions to practice Direction: Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions given below it.In 2010, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) discovered a new species of bacteria, called the GFAJ-1 strain, that for a while promised to change our understanding of how living things survive. Deep in the waters of Mono Lake in California, NASA scientists discovered a form of bacteria that seemed to use arsenic, plentiful in its habitat, to make DNA and proteins. Most life forms are made from six main building blocks: carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen, sulfur, and phosphorus. Arsenic is toxic to most known organisms, but the GFAJ-1 strain can tolerate high concentrations of arsenic, and initial studies suggested that it could even incorporate thechemical into its cells. Some scientists claimed that this discovery had opened new possibilities for life elsewhere in the universe, as the existence of such a microbe would show that organisms can exist in chemical environments that scientists may not have considered.Q.Which of the following statements best summarizes the passage?a)The presence of arsenic-based bacteria would prove that there is life on other planets.b)Scientists have discovered that arsenic is not toxic to most known organisms.c)Claims made about the GFAJ-1 strain challenged scientists’ perception of how living organisms survive.d)If GFAJ-1 were established as using arsenic to build its DNA, scientists would need to consider adding this element to the six main building blocks of life.e)The ecosystem of Mono Lake is a scientific phenomenon that scientists will be studying for years.Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? tests, examples and also practice GRE tests.
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