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Difficulty: MediumTransitions: Contrast and Concession

Biologists have long observed that New Caledonian crows (*Corvus moneduloides*) construct and use tools in the wild, a behavior once thought to be unique to primates. Researchers previously hypothesized that this complex skill was entirely learned through social observation and training within crow communities. ______ laboratory experiments have demonstrated that young crows raised in isolation without any adult contact can spontaneously manufacture and utilize tools to retrieve food, suggesting a strong, innate genetic component to the behavior.

Which choice completes the passage with the most logical transition?

  1. A
    Furthermore,
  2. B
    Consequently,
  3. However,Answer
  4. D
    Specifically,

Answer

However,
The correct transition is 'However' because the passage establishes a clear contrast between a past hypothesis (that New Caledonian crows learn to use tools entirely through social observation) and new experimental evidence (that crows raised in isolation can still develop tool-use skills, indicating a genetic factor). Only a transition signaling contrast or contradiction logically fits this context.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the relationship between the sentences surrounding the blank.
The sentence before the blank describes a hypothesis that tool use in New Caledonian crows is 'entirely learned through social observation.' The sentence containing the blank presents laboratory findings showing that crows raised in isolation without adult contact 'can spontaneously manufacture and utilize tools.'
Understanding the logical connection between these two claims is necessary to determine the correct transition.
2
Determine the logical relationship between the ideas.
The laboratory findings (tool use is innate/genetic) directly contradict the previous hypothesis (tool use is entirely learned). This establishes a contrast relationship.
Identifying the relationship as contrast guides the selection of the transition word.
3
Evaluate the options to find the transition that expresses contrast.
'However' is a contrast transition. 'Furthermore' represents addition, 'Consequently' represents cause-and-effect, and 'Specifically' represents elaboration.
Matching the contrast relationship with the appropriate transition word leads to the correct option.

Key Concept

Transitions: Contrast and Concession
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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Topics

Transitions: Contrast and Concession

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