Examkin

Question

Difficulty: HardWords in Context: High-Utility Vocabulary

In evolutionary biology, the phenotypic resemblance between two unrelated species inhabiting similar environments is often attributed to convergent evolution. However, researchers have cautioned that such similarity can sometimes be ______ rather than adaptive; features may appear identical not because they provide a shared survival advantage, but as a byproduct of shared structural constraints in the organisms' developmental pathways.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?

  1. incidentalAnswer
  2. B
    intrinsic
  3. C
    anomalous
  4. D
    ostensible

Answer

incidental
The correct option is 'incidental' because it describes something occurring as a minor or secondary consequence. The passage contrasts resemblance that is 'adaptive' (selected because it provides a survival advantage) with resemblance that occurs as a 'byproduct of shared structural constraints.' A resemblance that is a developmental byproduct rather than a survival adaptation is therefore incidental to the evolutionary process.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the sentence to identify the logical relationship and context clue surrounding the blank.
The phrase 'rather than adaptive' indicates a contrast between the missing word and the concept of adaptation.
This establishes that the correct word must describe a trait or similarity that is not selected for its survival value.
2
Examine the explanation following the semicolon to define the characteristics of this non-adaptive resemblance.
The text explains that the resemblance is 'a byproduct of shared structural constraints' rather than 'a shared survival advantage.'
A trait that is a byproduct of constraints is secondary or secondary to adaptation, which aligns with the meaning of 'incidental.'
3
Evaluate the choices to find the word that best represents a secondary, non-adaptive byproduct.
'Incidental' means occurring as a minor or secondary accompaniment, making it the most precise fit for this context.
This confirms that 'incidental' is the correct choice.

Key Concept

Determining contextual meaning of high-utility academic words using structural contrast and definition clues within a passage.
Rate this question

Topics

Words in Context: High-Utility Vocabulary

More questions from this topic