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Difficulty: EasyCross-Text Connections: Relational Synthesis

Text 1
For decades, ecologists believed that introducing non-native plant species to an ecosystem always reduces biodiversity by outcompeting native species. In a 2021 study, Dr. Elena Rostova examined urban parks and found that some non-native plants actually coexisted with native species without reducing their numbers. Rostova argued that under certain conditions, non-native plants do not harm local biodiversity.

Text 2
Building on Rostova’s research, biologist Marcus Vance analyzed rural grasslands. Vance observed that while non-native plants coexisted with native species in resource-rich soil, they quickly displaced native species in resource-poor soil. Vance concluded that soil nutrient levels determine whether non-native plants threaten native biodiversity, suggesting that Rostova’s findings are accurate but limited to specific environments.

Based on the texts, how would Vance (Text 2) most likely characterize Rostova's conclusion (Text 1)?

  1. As correct, but only applicable to ecosystems with high levels of soil nutrients.Answer
  2. B
    As entirely incorrect because non-native plants always decrease native biodiversity in all environments.
  3. C
    As an understatement because non-native plants actually increase biodiversity in rural grasslands.
  4. D
    As correct, but suggesting that native plants will eventually adapt to outcompete non-native plants.

Answer

As correct, but only applicable to ecosystems with high levels of soil nutrients.
The author of Text 2 (Vance) explicitly states that the findings of the author of Text 1 (Rostova) are 'accurate' but 'limited to specific environments.' Specifically, Vance observed that coexistence occurs in 'resource-rich soil' (high nutrients) but not in 'resource-poor soil,' meaning the conclusion only applies under those nutrient-rich conditions.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify Rostova's conclusion in Text 1.
Rostova concludes that non-native plants do not harm local biodiversity under certain conditions.
To understand what Vance is responding to.
2
Identify Vance's findings and perspective on Rostova's work in Text 2.
Vance finds that non-native plants coexist in resource-rich soil but displace native plants in resource-poor soil, concluding that Rostova's findings are accurate but limited to specific environments.
To determine how Vance relates to Rostova's work.
3
Synthesize the relationship between the two perspectives.
Vance views Rostova's conclusion as correct (accurate) but qualified by soil nutrient levels (resource-rich environments).
To match the synthesized relationship to the correct option.

Key Concept

Cross-Text Connections: Relational Synthesis
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Topics

Cross-Text Connections: Relational Synthesis

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