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Question

Difficulty: Very hardSentence-Level Transitions

In certain dense forest canopies, the topmost branches of adjacent trees of the same species avoid touching each other, creating a network of channel-like gaps. This phenomenon, known as 'crown shyness,' prevents the spread of leaf-eating insects and reduces physical damage caused by branches colliding in the wind. Interestingly, this behavior is highly dependent on environmental conditions. Crown shyness occurs predominantly in areas with high wind exposure, where canopy movement is frequent. Consequently, in calmer environments, the branches of the same species often intertwine without any visible gaps.

Which choice establishes the most logical relationship between the preceding sentence and the underlined sentence?

  1. A
    Consequently,
  2. B
    Moreover,
  3. By contrast,Answer
  4. D
    Likewise,

Answer

By contrast,
The transition 'By contrast,' is correct because it accurately signals the logical contrast between the frequent canopy gaps in windy areas and the intertwined branches in calm areas.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the relationship between the two connected ideas: the occurrence of crown shyness in areas with high wind exposure and the intertwining of branches in calmer environments.
Identify that the two sentences present opposing environmental conditions (high wind versus calm) and opposing outcomes (crown shyness versus intertwining branches).
Determining the logical connection is necessary to select the appropriate transitional word.
2
Evaluate the logical function of the underlined transition word 'Consequently' in this context.
Realize that 'Consequently' incorrectly implies that the behavior in calm environments is a direct result or effect of the behavior in windy environments.
The second behavior is a separate phenomenon under different conditions, not a consequence of the first.
3
Test the remaining options to find the transition that correctly expresses the contrast between the two scenarios.
Determine that the transition indicating contrast, 'By contrast,' accurately and logically connects the two sentences.
It signals to the reader that the sentence introduces a scenario that directly contrasts with the previous one.

Key Concept

Sentence-Level Transitions
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Topics

Sentence-Level Transitions

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