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Question

Difficulty: EasyPart-to-Whole Rhetorical Function

Some scientists believe that the main function of a zebra's stripes is to keep the animal cool. However, a recent study showed that the stripes actually prevent biting flies from landing on the zebra. The researchers found that flies are confused by the striped pattern and avoid it. This discovery has helped scientists understand how physical traits can protect animals from pests.

Which choice best describes the function of the underlined sentence in the text as a whole?

  1. It presents a research finding that offers an alternative explanation to the belief mentioned in the first sentence.Answer
  2. B
    It states the main goal of the entire passage, which is to explain how all animal traits evolve.
  3. C
    It describes the specific experiment that the researchers used to count the flies in the study.
  4. D
    It predicts that zebras will eventually lose their stripes as biting fly populations decrease over time.

Answer

The underlined sentence presents a research finding that offers an alternative explanation to the belief mentioned in the first sentence.
The underlined sentence functions to introduce a scientific finding that provides an alternative explanation (deterring biting flies) to the belief introduced in the first sentence (keeping the animal cool).

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Read the passage and locate the underlined sentence.
The underlined sentence states: 'However, a recent study showed that the stripes actually prevent biting flies from landing on the zebra.'
To identify the part of the text whose function needs to be evaluated.
2
Analyze the relationship between the underlined sentence and the preceding sentence.
The preceding sentence describes a belief about zebra stripes keeping them cool. The underlined sentence introduces a contrasting study showing stripes deter biting flies.
To determine how this specific sentence functions in relation to the surrounding context.
3
Select the option that matches this relationship.
The option that describes the sentence as presenting a finding that offers an alternative explanation is the correct choice.
To identify the choice that accurately represents the rhetorical function of the underlined portion.

Key Concept

Identifying the rhetorical function of a specific sentence within a passage (Part-to-Whole).
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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Topics

Part-to-Whole Rhetorical Function

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