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- Thu Apr 14, 2016 11:57 am
#23047
Complete Question Explanation
Strengthen-CE. The correct answer choice is (D)
The stimulus explains two theories. The old theory is that snail-shell color evolved as a camouflage defense against predators. The new theory is that heat absorption causes the shell color, so that brown shells are found in more turbulent waters that cool the shell, while white shells are more prevalent in calm waters.
The problem is that it is difficult to judge which theory is correct on the basis of the stimulus. Evidence is needed, and the question asks you to find evidence that would favor the new theory over the old theory.
Answer choice (A): Dark shells and a dark bottom support the camouflage theory, and dark shells in calm water attack the heat theory, so this choice favors the old theory over the new theory and is incorrect.
Answer choice (B): Dark shells on a white bottom undermine the camouflage theory, but dark shells in calm water also undermine the heat theory, so this choice attacks both theories and is incorrect.
Answer choice (C): Light shells on a dark bottom undermine the camouflage theory, but light shells in turbulent waters also undermine the heat theory, so this response attacks both theories and is incorrect.
Answer choice (D): This is the correct answer choice. Light shells on a dark bottom undermine the camouflage theory, and light shells in calm water support the heat theory, so this evidence favors the new theory over the old theory.
Answer choice (E): Light shells in calm water support the heat theory, but light shells on a light bottom also support the camouflage theory, so this choice supports both theories and is incorrect.
Strengthen-CE. The correct answer choice is (D)
The stimulus explains two theories. The old theory is that snail-shell color evolved as a camouflage defense against predators. The new theory is that heat absorption causes the shell color, so that brown shells are found in more turbulent waters that cool the shell, while white shells are more prevalent in calm waters.
The problem is that it is difficult to judge which theory is correct on the basis of the stimulus. Evidence is needed, and the question asks you to find evidence that would favor the new theory over the old theory.
Answer choice (A): Dark shells and a dark bottom support the camouflage theory, and dark shells in calm water attack the heat theory, so this choice favors the old theory over the new theory and is incorrect.
Answer choice (B): Dark shells on a white bottom undermine the camouflage theory, but dark shells in calm water also undermine the heat theory, so this choice attacks both theories and is incorrect.
Answer choice (C): Light shells on a dark bottom undermine the camouflage theory, but light shells in turbulent waters also undermine the heat theory, so this response attacks both theories and is incorrect.
Answer choice (D): This is the correct answer choice. Light shells on a dark bottom undermine the camouflage theory, and light shells in calm water support the heat theory, so this evidence favors the new theory over the old theory.
Answer choice (E): Light shells in calm water support the heat theory, but light shells on a light bottom also support the camouflage theory, so this choice supports both theories and is incorrect.