Platypus Bill

Answer choices

1. A

   Too Narrow15% picked this

   explain how the platypus locates prey at

   This explains the function of the 2nd paragraph, but not the passage overall. The 1st paragraph explicitly does not explain how the platypus locates prey at a distance. But the 1st paragraph is still an important part (1/2) of the passage. In that paragraph, we learn that it is a new / recent discovery that the platypus uses its bill to locate prey. It uses mechanoreceptors to feel out prey within touching distance (1st paragraph) and electroreceptors to sense prey at a distance (2nd paragraph). We need an answer that could better wrap its arms around both paragraphs.

   15%
2. B

   Correct78% picked this

   present some recent scientific research on the function of the

   Why this is right

   If we saw this passage as Old / New, then we would certainly find some of this answer's wording attractive: present some recent research Is the research dealing with the function of the bill? Yes, it deals with how the platypus uses its bill to locate prey underwater. We might not love that this answer sounds a little too broad in saying "the function of the platypus's bill", given that the passage is only telling us about one specific function (locating prey underwater). After all, the platypus's bill may have many functions. But it's still true to say that we are hearing the takeaways of people who were researching the function of the platypus's bill. In fact, one takeaway is that "the platypus's bill functions as the primary sense organ of the platypus." Mostly, we just have to come to peace with this answer being the best available, despite being imperfect.

   Skill tested: Primary Purpose · how this choice captures the passage's function is the move to repeat next time.

   78%
3. C

   Out of Scope1% picked this

   assess the results of Bohringer’s experimental work about

   Out of Scope: assess Too Narrow: Bohringer We can stop reading with the verb "assess", which implies that the author evaluated the merits of Bohringer's work. This author was purely in presentational / reporting mode. He didn't do any editorializing. We can't find his opinion anywhere. Also, Bohringer's work only covers the 1st paragraph. What about Scheich's work?

   1%
4. D

   Too Narrow: Scheich4% picked this

   present Scheich’s contributions to scientific work about

   It is true that the passage presents Scheich's contributions, but this only covers the 2nd paragraph. This answer would essentially have the same virtues and detriments as choice (A). We want an answer broad enough to envelop both the 1st and 2nd paragraphs.

   4%
5. E

   Too Narrow1% picked this

   describe two different kinds of pores on the

   The passage doesn't describe two different kinds of pores on the bill. It defines two different kinds of receptors within pores on the bill. However, even if this answer said 'receptors' instead of 'pores', it would still feel too narrow. The author's main objective in writing the passage wasn't to define two different types of receptors. The author was trying to report on our new discovery that the platypus uses its bill to locate prey underwater.

   1%