Q21

[Laura Damone]

Here's another question for which your passage map is crucial!

Before tackling the answers, take a moment to prephrase. What does P1 do? It introduces the three types of adaptive responses and compares two of them. P2 discusses the third type of adaptive response and introduces the water bug example. P3 talks about how the info in P2 has been proven in the lab. Both P2 and P3 are focused on the water bugs.

Now, to the answers! Each one will have multiple pieces. Evaluate each piece on its own, and eliminate an answer once you reach a piece with a fatal flaw.

A) Biological phenomena? Check! Examples compared and contrasted? Check! One example illustrated in detail? Double Check! A is a definite contender.

B) A description of related phenomena? Check! Two phenomena explained in detail with illustrated examples? Nope. We go into detail about water bugs only. Eliminate!

C) Three related biological phenomena described? Check! A hypothesis explaining their relationship is presented? Nope. And if you have any doubt, continue to the last piece: supporting evidence produced. Where's the water bug example? Nowhere, that's where. Eliminate!

D) Three complementary biological phenomena explained? Sure. "Complementary" seems a little off here: We know they're related, but do they complement each other? Still, probably not a fatal flaw. Keep reading. Their causes are examined? Hmm, not sounding so good. Last piece: One of them is described by contrasting its causes with the other two? No way. The water bug portion isn't about contrasting with the other adaptive responses. Eliminate!

E) A new way is suggested? Nope. Eliminate.

A is the winner!