Craft and StructureVery hardDifferent explanations for the same phenomenon
Craft and Structure practice question
Text 1
Islands tend to produce dwarf versions of large mainland animals, such as the small elephants of ancient Sicily. Biologist Ren Halvorsen attributes this to food: with less to eat, smaller bodies survive.
Text 2
Food limits matter, but the pattern also holds on islands rich in vegetation. What islands more reliably lack is predators. Without them, a large body offers no protection and costs energy, so size drifts downward over generations.
Which choice best describes the relationship between the two texts?
- A. Text 2 accepts that Text 1's explanation plays a part but proposes a different main cause.Correct
- B. Text 2 denies that island animals are ever smaller than mainland relatives.
- C. Text 2 provides the evidence for Halvorsen's food explanation.
- D. Text 2 argues that islands have more predators than mainlands.
Answer: A. Text 2 accepts that Text 1's explanation plays a part but proposes a different main cause.
'Food limits matter, but' — then predators as the more reliable cause.
Why the other answers are wrong
- B. Text 2 denies that island animals are ever smaller than mainland relatives.
- Text 2 says 'the pattern also holds', accepting dwarfing.
- C. Text 2 provides the evidence for Halvorsen's food explanation.
- Text 2 points to a case (rich islands) where the food explanation falls short.
- D. Text 2 argues that islands have more predators than mainlands.
- Text 2 says islands LACK predators.
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