Examkin

Question

Difficulty: Very hardTransitions: Cause and Effect

In many tropical ecosystems, certain species of paper wasps construct their nests in close proximity to highly aggressive dolichoderine ant colonies, utilizing the ants' territorial behavior as a shield against larger predators. ________ the wasps must synthesize chemical compounds that mimic the host colony's cuticular hydrocarbons to prevent these indiscriminate predators from attacking them.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?

  1. A
    By contrast,
  2. B
    Furthermore,
  3. Consequently,Answer
  4. D
    Subsequently,

Answer

The transition 'Consequently,' is the correct choice because it logically links the cause (wasps nesting near aggressive ants) with the effect (wasps needing to synthesize chemical mimicry to survive).
The first sentence explains that paper wasps nest near aggressive ants to use them as a shield against predators. The second sentence explains that, because these ants are aggressive, the wasps must synthesize a chemical mimic to avoid being attacked. The relationship is cause-and-effect (the nesting choice causes the need for chemical mimicry). Therefore, the cause-and-effect transition 'consequently' is the most logical choice.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the relationship between the two sentences in the passage.
The first sentence explains that paper wasps nest near aggressive ants for protection. The second sentence explains that the wasps must synthesize chemical compounds mimicking the ants to prevent attacks.
Understanding the logical connection between sentences is essential to selecting the correct transition.
2
Determine the logical category that best connects these ideas.
The need for chemical mimicry is a direct effect or result of the wasps' choice of nesting site. Therefore, a cause-and-effect transition is required.
This allows us to narrow down the transition type to cause-and-effect.
3
Evaluate the choices to find the transition that fits this logical category.
'Consequently' is a cause-and-effect transition, while the other choices represent contrast, addition, and chronology.
Matching the transition category to the options identifies the correct answer.

Key Concept

Identifying cause-and-effect relationships between sentences to select the appropriate logical transition.
Rate this question

Topics

Transitions: Cause and Effect

More questions from this topic