Question

Difficulty: EasyPrimary Purpose of the Whole Text

In a 2021 study, marine biologist Dr. Elena Vance and her team investigated the social behaviors of juvenile lemon sharks (*Negaprion brevirostris*) in the Bahamas. Traditional models of shark behavior often depict them as solitary predators that interact only for mating or hunting. However, Vance's team observed that the young sharks frequently grouped together in shallow mangrove nurseries, actively choosing to associate with specific individuals over others. By tracking these interactions, the researchers demonstrated that juvenile lemon sharks exhibit social preferences and form stable social networks. This suggests that sociality may play a crucial role in the early survival strategies of these sharks, challenging the long-held view that sharks lack complex social structures.

Which choice best states the main purpose of the text?

  1. A
    To explain the specific tracking methods used by Vance's team to study marine environments.
  2. B
    To assert that all shark species possess identical social structures regardless of their geographic location.
  3. To describe a study showing that juvenile lemon sharks form social relationships, challenging a common assumption about shark behavior.Answer
  4. D
    To prove that juvenile lemon sharks are solitary predators that avoid interacting with other marine animals.

Answer

To describe a study showing that juvenile lemon sharks form social relationships, challenging a common assumption about shark behavior.
The correct option correctly identifies the primary purpose of the text, which is to report on Dr. Vance's study regarding the social bonds of juvenile lemon sharks and explain how these findings challenge the long-held scientific assumption that sharks do not exhibit complex social behaviors.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the text to identify the main topic and findings.
The text describes a study by Dr. Elena Vance's team that found juvenile lemon sharks in the Bahamas form stable social networks and show social preferences.
This establishes the core factual information presented in the passage.
2
Identify the context and the implication of the findings mentioned in the passage.
The findings challenge the traditional model of sharks as strictly solitary predators that do not form complex social structures.
This links the specific research findings to the broader academic context provided by the author.
3
Synthesize the topic and implication to determine the overall primary purpose.
The primary purpose is to show how the study's discovery of sociality in juvenile lemon sharks challenges the long-held assumption that sharks lack social structures.
This aligns with the correct option that summarizes the whole text rather than focusing on secondary details.

Key Concept

Primary Purpose of the Whole Text
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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