A major focus of modern evolutionary ecology is the study of

Question

﻿A major focus of modern evolutionary ecology is the study of coevolution: investigating interactions between organisms in nature and analyzing how interacting pairs of organisms influence one another as they evolve. One of the most remarkable coevolutionary interactions is between various species of  i  butterflies and various species of  Passiflora  vines.  Heliconius  butterflies lay their eggs only on  Passiflora  vines and select only the newest, most tender shoots for the newly hatched  Heliconius  caterpillars to feed on. The effect of this parasitism is that caterpillars, either by defoliating a juvenile vine or devouring new shoots on a mature vine, prevent the vine from reproducing. In response,  Passiflora  vines have developed defenses against  Heliconius  butterflies.

One of the factors  Heliconius  butterflies take into account when deciding where to lay eggs is the shape of the leaves of the potential host plant. However, the leaves of some  Passiflora  species have gradually come to resemble the leaves of several nonhost plants closely, and from seedling to maturity, the shape of  Passiflora  leaves undergoes dramatic changes. A butterfly's ability to recognize the shape of  Passiflora  leaves reduces the reproductive potential of the plant, and scientists have hypothesized that varying their leaf shapes is a mechanism that has evolved in  Passiflora  vines under the pressure of  Heliconius  parasitism. This has not been an entirely successful strategy for the plants, however, since  Heliconius  butterflies have developed the ability to recognize other  Passiflora  characteristics, including leaf chemistry, in locating  Passiflora  vines, and variations in leaf shape have not been sufficient to deter the butterflies from laying eggs.

Because the caterpillars of some  Heliconius  species eat the eggs of other  Heliconius  species, the presence of an egg on a leaf can cause a female to reject a plant as a potential egg-laying site. Recent field studies have discovered further evidence of a possible coevolutionary relationship: some species of  Passiflora  vines have developed yellow spots identical in color and shape to  Heliconius  eggs. Subsequent studies of "egg-mimicry" reveal that it has been found in only some two percent of the 500 known  Passiflora  species, indicating that it probably evolved relatively recently, but where it does occur, it has been a successful deterrent to  Heliconius  egg-laying.    1 
﻿ 1. With which of the following statements about the coevolutionary relationship between  Passiflora  vines and  Heliconius  butterflies would the author of the passage be most likely to agree?

A. It will eventually result in a decrease in the number of  Passiflora  species.
B. It has ensured that  Passiflora  species will survive longer than  Heliconius  species.
C. It will probably end because the development of egg-mimicry by  Passiflora  vines will force  Heliconius  butterflies to find other host plants.
D. It has been more thoroughly studied than any other coevolutionary relationship in nature.
E. It is a dynamic, continuing process that may produce further variations in the plants and butterflies.

2 
﻿ 2. Which of the following best describes the function of the third paragraph of the passage?

A. To answer a question posed at the beginning of the passage about a coevolutionary relationship between two organisms
B. To sum up the examples given in the passage with a generalization about coevolutionary relationships
C. To provide an additional example of an adaptation that indicates a coevolutionary relationship between two organisms
D. To outline the steps taken in a research project to study coevolutionary relationships
E. To propose further research into the coevolutionary relationships between plants and animals

3 
﻿ 3. The primary purpose of the passage is to

A. explain why  Heliconius  butterflies select  Passiflora  vines for depositing their eggs
B. describe the manner in which  Heliconius  butterflies distinguish  Passiflora  vines from other plants 
C. explore aspects of the coevolutionary relationship between  Passiflora  vines and  Heliconius  butterflies
D. give an overview of coevolutionary relationships in plants and animals, using the relationship between  Heliconius  butterflies and  Passiflora  vines as an example
E. argue that the only species of  Passiflora  vines to survive are those that adapt to  Heliconius  parasitism

4 
﻿ 4. Passiflora leaf chemistry is mentioned in the passage as a characteristic that

A. deters  Heliconius  butterflies from laying eggs on  Passiflora  vines 
B. developed relatively recently as a result of coevolution
C. represents a successful adaptive strategy on the part of  Passiflora  vines
D. is likely to change over time in response to changes in habitat
E. helps  Heliconius  butterflies locate  Passiflora  vines

YuktiMaheshwari · Accepted Answer

Q3. Let me try.
I chose C

As D option says that it gives an overview between plants and animals.. but the start of the para says that coevolution is investigating interactions between organisms in nature and then it takes particular example of heliconious butterflies and Passiflora.
Hence I rejected it.

Posted from my mobile device

Sajjad1994 · Answer

Explanation

3. The primary purpose of the passage is to

Explanation

A.  This option is not the primary purpose of the passage. While the passage mentions that Heliconius butterflies lay their eggs on Passiflora vines, the main focus is not on explaining why they do so. Instead, the passage explores the broader coevolutionary relationship between these butterflies and Passiflora vines.

B.  This option is not the primary purpose of the passage either. While the passage does touch on how Heliconius butterflies use factors like leaf shape to select host plants, it does not extensively describe the manner in which they distinguish Passiflora vines from other plants. The primary focus is on the coevolutionary dynamics between the two species.

C.  This is the correct answer. The passage is primarily focused on exploring various aspects of the coevolutionary relationship between Passiflora vines and Heliconius butterflies. It discusses how their interactions have led to the evolution of specific traits and adaptations in both species.

D.  This option is not the primary purpose of the passage. While the passage does use the relationship between Heliconius butterflies and Passiflora vines as an example of coevolution, it does not aim to provide an overview of coevolutionary relationships in general. The main focus is on the specific interaction between these two species.

E.  This option is not the primary purpose of the passage. The passage does discuss how Passiflora vines have developed defenses against Heliconius butterflies, but it does not make an argument that only the adapted species of vines survive. Instead, it focuses on illustrating the ongoing coevolutionary dynamics between the two species.

In summary, the primary purpose of the passage is to explore various aspects of the coevolutionary relationship between Passiflora vines and Heliconius butterflies, making  option C  the correct answer.

Answer: C

Sajjad1994 · Answer

Explanation

﻿1. With which of the following statements about the coevolutionary relationship between Passiflora vines and Heliconius butterflies would the author of the passage be most likely to agree?

Explanation

The author of the passage discusses the coevolutionary relationship between Passiflora vines and Heliconius butterflies. To determine which statement the author would most likely agree with, let's analyze the information provided in the passage:

-Passiflora vines have developed various defenses against Heliconius butterflies, including changes in leaf shape and the development of egg-mimicry.
-Heliconius butterflies have also evolved to recognize Passiflora characteristics, including leaf chemistry, in locating host plants.
-The coevolutionary relationship includes a dynamic process where Passiflora vines and Heliconius butterflies continually influence each other's evolution.
-Given this information, the most likely statement that the author would agree with is:

Answer option (E)  aligns with the idea that coevolution is an ongoing process, with both species adapting and evolving in response to each other's strategies. The passage does not provide information to support the other statements (A, B, C, or D), so they cannot be inferred from the information presented in the passage.

Answer: E

Sajjad1994 · Answer

Explanation

﻿2. Which of the following best describes the function of the third paragraph of the passage?

Explanation

A.  This option is not accurate because the third paragraph does not directly answer a question posed at the beginning of the passage. Instead, it provides additional information and examples related to the coevolutionary relationship between Passiflora vines and Heliconius butterflies.

B.  This option is not correct because the third paragraph does not summarize the examples given in the passage. Instead, it introduces a new and specific example of an adaptation (egg-mimicry) within the coevolutionary relationship between Passiflora vines and Heliconius butterflies.

C.  This option is the most accurate description of the function of the third paragraph. The paragraph introduces the concept of  "egg-mimicry"  as an additional example of adaptation in Passiflora vines, which directly illustrates the ongoing coevolutionary relationship between Passiflora vines and Heliconius butterflies.

D.  This option is not relevant to the content of the third paragraph. The paragraph does not describe any research project or outline steps taken in research. It focuses on presenting an adaptation in Passiflora vines.

E.  This option is not supported by the content of the third paragraph. The paragraph does not propose or suggest further research. Instead, it provides a specific example of adaptation within the coevolutionary relationship already discussed in the passage.

In summary, the third paragraph's primary function is to provide an additional example of an adaptation (egg-mimicry) that indicates the coevolutionary relationship between Passiflora vines and Heliconius butterflies.  Option C  accurately describes the purpose of this paragraph in the passage.

Answer: C

Sajjad1994 · Answer

Explanation

4. Passiflora leaf chemistry is mentioned in the passage as a characteristic that

Explanation

The passage mentions Passiflora leaf chemistry in the context of the coevolutionary relationship between Passiflora vines and Heliconius butterflies. Let's analyze each answer option to determine the role of Passiflora leaf chemistry as described in the passage:

A.  This option is not accurate. The passage does not state that Passiflora leaf chemistry deters Heliconius butterflies from laying eggs on Passiflora vines. In fact, it mentions that variations in leaf shape (not chemistry) have not been sufficient to deter the butterflies.

B.  The passage does not provide information about when Passiflora leaf chemistry developed in relation to coevolution. It discusses the development of various adaptations in Passiflora vines and Heliconius butterflies but does not specify the timing of the changes in leaf chemistry.

C.  This option is not entirely accurate. The passage mentions that Passiflora vines have developed various defenses against Heliconius butterflies, but it does not specifically attribute the success of these defenses to leaf chemistry. The passage focuses more on the recent discovery of "egg-mimicry" as an effective deterrent.

D.  The passage does not suggest that Passiflora leaf chemistry is likely to change over time in response to habitat changes. It primarily discusses how Passiflora vines have evolved adaptations to Heliconius parasitism.

E.  This is the correct answer. The passage mentions that Heliconius butterflies have developed the ability to recognize Passiflora characteristics, including leaf chemistry, in locating Passiflora vines. Therefore, Passiflora leaf chemistry is mentioned as a characteristic that helps Heliconius butterflies locate Passiflora vines. So, the correct answer is option E.

Answer: E

LK22112 · Answer

3. The primary purpose of the passage is to

A major focus of modern evolutionary ecology is the study of coevolution: investigating interactions between organisms in nature and analyzing how interacting pairs of organisms influence one another as they evolve. One of the most remarkable coevolutionary interactions is between various species of i butterflies and various species of Passiflora vines.

The first 2 sentences is about introducing the topic: the coevolution is a hot area for investigation.

The the entire page is talking about one amazing example of this coevolution - butterflies and PV. How they develop new feature because of another's evolution.

C. explore aspects of the coevolutionary relationship between Passiflora vines and Heliconius butterflies

D.  give an overview of coevolutionary relationships in plants and animals , using the relationship between Heliconius butterflies and Passiflora vines as an example

If the purpose is to give a overview of the coevolutionary relationship. Most likely the paragraph is like below:

- What is coevolutionary relationship: type 1, type 2, type 3. Heliconius butterflies and Passiflora vines as an example, sometimes type 1, sometimes type 2, sometime type 3. However, in this article, the major discussion is one developing new features to anti another.

- Plus article does not mention plant and animal

kartickdey · Answer

KarishmaB ,  ChiranjeevSingh ,  MartyMurray 
Regarding Q3, I could not understand why option D is wrong. Please explain why option D is wrong.

guddo · Answer

﻿ 3. The primary purpose of the passage is to

The passage describes an ongoing back and forth between Heliconius butterflies and Passiflora vines: butterflies choose Passiflora for egg laying, the caterpillars harm the plant’s reproduction, and the plant evolves defenses like changing leaf shape and, in a few species, egg like spots that deter egg laying.

A. explain why  Heliconius  butterflies select  Passiflora  vines for depositing their eggs

Too narrow. The passage mentions why (they lay eggs only on Passiflora and choose tender shoots), but most of the passage is about plant defenses and how butterflies respond.

B. describe the manner in which  Heliconius  butterflies distinguish  Passiflora  vines from other plants

Also too narrow. Leaf shape and leaf chemistry are discussed, but mainly to show the plant’s attempted defenses and the butterflies’ counter adaptations.

C. explore aspects of the coevolutionary relationship between  Passiflora  vines and  Heliconius  butterflies

This best matches the passage.  The passage’s main job is to show the interaction and mutual influence over time, including  how each side’s traits put pressure on the other .

D. give an overview of coevolutionary relationships in plants and animals, using the relationship between  Heliconius  butterflies and  Passiflora  vines as an example

Too broad. It defines coevolution briefly, then almost entirely focuses on this one specific pair rather than giving an overview of many relationships.

E. argue that the only species of  Passiflora  vines to survive are those that adapt to  Heliconius  parasitism

Not supported. The passage never claims only adapted species survive, and it even says one defense (leaf shape variation) has not been sufficient to stop egg laying.

Answer: (C)

MartyMurray · Answer

Here's (D).

D. give an overview of coevolutionary relationships in plants and animals, using the relationship between  Heliconius  butterflies and  Passiflora  vines as an example

This choice is tricky to eliminate because the passage begins with the following sentence.

A major focus of modern evolutionary ecology is the study of coevolution: investigating interactions between organisms in nature and analyzing how interacting pairs of organisms influence one another as they evolve.

Seeing that first sentence, we may be tempted to believe the the purpose of the passage is to discuss the study of coevolution in general and therefore choose (D).

At the same time, looking carefully at (D), we see the following failure point: Though the passage does briefly mention "investigating" interactions between organisms "analyzing" how interacting pairs of organisms influence one another, it does not provide "an overview" of coevolutionary relationships. Rather, it goes straight into the specifics of the relationship between  Heliconius  butterflies and  Passiflora  vines.

So, in saying that the purpose is to "give an overview of coevolutionary relationships, (D) fails to accurately describe the purpose of the passage.

Key Takeaway:  Sometimes, the content of the opening sentence or paragraph of a passage does not indicate what the primary purpose of the passage is and instead provides context for what follows, which is the main discussion of the passage. So, we have to be careful not to be fooled by the opening sentence or paragraph into believing that the primary purpose of a passage is something other than what it is.

Here's another passage whose primary purpose is different from what the first paragraph might seem to indicate it to be.

https://gmatclub.com/forum/social-learning-in-animals-is-said-to-occur-when-direct-or-indirect-21724.html

A major focus of modern evolutionary ecology is the study of

Prep Toolkit

Top 5 GMAT Debrief Videos

615 to 715 in 15 Days (Ria's Strategies)

More than Quant/Verbal Abilities: Speed vs. Accuracy

745 with Only Self-Prep and GMAT Club

From 555 to 765: 210-point Improvement

Perfect 805 Score Debrief by Julia

My Rewards

GMAT Reading Comprehension (RC) Questions

A major focus of modern evolutionary ecology is the study of

Prep Toolkit

615 to 715 in 15 Days (Ria's Strategies)

More than Quant/Verbal Abilities: Speed vs. Accuracy

745 with Only Self-Prep and GMAT Club

From 555 to 765: 210-point Improvement

Perfect 805 Score Debrief by Julia

My Rewards