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Difficulty: Very hardStylistic Appropriateness

Discovered in 1977 near the Galápagos Rift, hydrothermal vents revolutionized our understanding of life on Earth. These deep-sea geysers spew mineral-rich fluids heated by underlying magma, supporting complex ecosystems independent of sunlight. Rather than relying on photosynthesis, primary producers in these ecosystems—mostly specialized bacteria—utilize chemosynthesis to convert toxic hydrogen sulfide into organic energy. To thrive in this pitch-black, high-pressure zone, organisms have evolved remarkable adaptations to deal with the absolute craziness of their surroundings. Investigating these extremophiles not only sheds light on the origins of life on our planet but also guides the search for biosignatures on icy moons like Europa.

Which choice most effectively maintains the established style and tone of the passage?

  1. A
    NO CHANGE
  2. survive in their extreme environmentAnswer
  3. C
    persist and continue existing despite the highly unfavorable conditions of the local habitat in which they reside
  4. D
    endure the formidable vicissitudes of their abyssal habitat

Answer

survive in their extreme environment
The correct option, 'survive in their extreme environment', matches the objective, scientific tone of the passage while remaining concise and grammatically correct. It avoids colloquial language, unnecessary wordiness, and overly ornate diction.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the surrounding text to establish the overall tone, style, and register of the passage.
The passage uses an objective, academic, and scientific tone (using terms like 'hydrothermal vents', 'primary producers', 'chemosynthesis', 'extremophiles').
To select the stylistically appropriate phrase, you must match the register established by the author.
2
Evaluate the underlined phrase for potential tone clashes, wordiness, or imprecision.
The phrase 'deal with the absolute craziness of their surroundings' is highly informal and colloquial, creating a sharp register clash with the scientific context.
Identifying the error in the original text determines that a change is necessary.
3
Assess the remaining options to find the one that matches the established tone, is grammatically correct, and avoids redundancy.
The option using 'survive in their extreme environment' is concise and maintains a formal, objective register. The other options are either redundant or overly pretentious.
Eliminating options that violate rules of conciseness or tone consistency leads to the correct choice.

Key Concept

Stylistic Appropriateness
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Topics

Stylistic Appropriateness

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