Based on the texts, how would the author of Text 2 most likely respond to the claim in Text 1?

Question

Text 1
The newly described fossil, with clear impressions of feathers along its arms, shows that this dinosaur was capable of flight.

Text 2
Feathers alone do not establish flight: many feathered dinosaurs were flightless, using their plumage for insulation or display. This specimen's arm bones are also too short relative to its body to have supported it in the air.

Accepted Answer

A. By arguing that feathers do not prove flight and that the specimen's arm bones suggest it could not fly.. Text 2 makes two points against the inference in Text 1: feathers are found on flightless dinosaurs too, and this one's arm bones are too short. Both go straight at the claim.

Answer

B. By agreeing that the fossil shows the dinosaur could fly. — Text 2 argues against flight, not for it.

Answer

C. By denying that the fossil has any feathers. — Text 2 accepts the feathers ('feathers alone do not establish flight'); it disputes what they mean.

Answer

D. By claiming that all feathered dinosaurs could fly. — Text 2 says the opposite: 'many feathered dinosaurs were flightless'.

Craft and Structure practice question

Answer: A. By arguing that feathers do not prove flight and that the specimen's arm bones suggest it could not fly.

Why the other answers are wrong

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