A study on coral reef restoration in the Caribbean has revealed that

Question

A study on coral reef restoration in the Caribbean has revealed that contrary to the expectations of some conservationists, manually transplanting coral fragments often disrupts the natural regrowth process and can lead to higher rates of coral bleaching. The study examined six reef zones, both transplanted and non-transplanted, all of which had experienced damage from a recent hurricane. Natural coral recruitment resulted in approximately 45 juvenile corals per square meter, surpassing the anticipated density from artificial planting efforts. However, the manual transplantation process dislodged 63 percent of the newly established juvenile corals, reducing the overall density to just 17 per square meter.

Additionally, the study found that transplanted corals showed a 40 percent higher likelihood of bleaching within the first year compared to naturally established coral. This was attributed to increased physical stress during the transplantation process, which exposed the coral to higher light intensity and disrupted symbiotic algae crucial for coral health. Efforts to anchor transplanted coral with artificial structures reduced immediate dislodgement but created localized shading, further limiting growth.

The researchers suggested that the most sustainable method for reef recovery might be to protect damaged areas from fishing and tourism, allowing natural recruitment to progress undisturbed. Over time, this approach could foster a more resilient coral population, with gradual regrowth better adapted to the local environment than manually transplanted coral fragments.   1 
1. It can most reasonably be inferred that if the strategy described in the final paragraph of the passage were followed, which of the following would be true?

A. Coral reefs that are manually transplanted would eventually outgrow those left to recover naturally.
B. Coral reefs will regenerate at a slower rate than manual transplantation.
C. Coral bleaching is more likely to occur in reefs that are left undisturbed compared to those that undergo transplantation.
D. The need for artificial transplantation of coral fragments would be reduced.
E. Over time, manually transplanted coral fragments would be more resilient than naturally recruited coral.

2 
2. The authors of the study described in the passage would most likely agree with which of the following statements?

A. Manual transplantation of coral fragments is preferable to allowing natural coral recruitment in reefs damaged by hurricanes.
B. Creating artificial structures to anchor transplanted coral is the most effective way to ensure long-term reef recovery.
C. Conservationists advocating for coral transplantation may overlook the potential negative impacts on natural coral regrowth.
D. Manually transplanting coral fragments increases physical stress on the coral, raising the likelihood of bleaching.
E. Coral reefs damaged by hurricanes should undergo manual transplantation only if natural recruitment does not occur.

3 
3. The primary purpose of the passage is to

A. critique conservationists’ arguments for manually transplanting coral fragments to restore damaged reefs.
B. outline a debate between conservationists and researchers regarding coral reef restoration strategies.
C. discuss the effectiveness of various methods for reducing coral bleaching in hurricane-damaged reefs.
D. describe the methodology used in a study assessing coral recruitment in hurricane-damaged reef zones.
E. present data from a study investigating whether manually transplanting coral fragments aids reef recovery.

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Whoisdmx15 · Answer

1. It can most reasonably be inferred that if the strategy described in the final paragraph of the passage were followed, which of the following would be true?

A. Coral reefs that are manually transplanted would eventually outgrow those left to recover naturally.  Eliminated  Not suitable, contrary to the proposed strategy.
B. Coral reefs will regenerate at a slower rate than manual transplantation.  Eliminated  This is suggested at no place in the passage.
C. Coral bleaching is more likely to occur in reefs that are left undisturbed compared to those that undergo transplantation.  Eliminated  This is contrary to the findings of the author. Moreover, this is not talked about in the last paragraph.
D. The need for artificial transplantation of coral fragments would be reduced.  Suitable  As the strategy in the last paragraph suggest allowing natural recuperation of Coral reefs, hence if implemented, artificial transportation shall be reduced. 
E. Over time, manually transplanted coral fragments would be more resilient than naturally recruited coral.  Eliminated  This is contrary to the conclusion of the study. Moreover, this has not been mentioned in the last paragraph.

2. The authors of the study described in the passage would most likely agree with which of the following statements?

A. Manual transplantation of coral fragments is preferable to allowing natural coral recruitment in reefs damaged by hurricanes.  Eliminated  This is contrary to author's conclusions.  The researchers suggested that the most sustainable method for reef recovery might be...allowing natural recruitment to progress undisturbed 
B. Creating artificial structures to anchor transplanted coral is the most effective way to ensure long-term reef recovery.  Eliminated  This again is contrary to authors conclusion.  Efforts to anchor transplanted coral with artificial structures reduced immediate dislodgement but created localized shading, further limiting growth 
C. Conservationists advocating for coral transplantation may overlook the potential negative impacts on natural coral regrowth.  Eliminated  Out of context 
D. Manually transplanting coral fragments increases physical stress on the coral, raising the likelihood of bleaching.  Suitable  The paragraph verbatim indicates the same.   CORRECTED AFTER OA DISCLOSURE  ]
E. Coral reefs damaged by hurricanes should undergo manual transplantation only if natural recruitment does not occur.  Suitable  This can be inferred, that this should be suitable after POE. Additionally, nowhere researchers direct to completely abandon manual transportation.

3. The primary purpose of the passage is to

A. critique conservationists’ arguments for manually transplanting coral fragments to restore damaged reefs.  Eliminated  There is no critique, only enumeration of shortcomings.
B. outline a debate between conservationists and researchers regarding coral reef restoration strategies.  Eliminated  No debate happening, only lay down of observations of research present.
C. discuss the effectiveness of various methods for reducing coral bleaching in hurricane-damaged reefs.  Eliminated  Effectiveness of Manual Transplantation has not been discussed. additionally the argument is not specific to hurricane-damaged reefs.
D. describe the methodology used in a study assessing coral recruitment in hurricane-damaged reef zones.  Eliminated  Study has not been described in the passage.
E. present data from a study investigating whether manually transplanting coral fragments aids reef recovery.  Suitable  Data pertaining to same has been provided and detailed upon.   CORRECTED AFTER OA DISCLOSURE  ]

Gmat750aspirant · Answer

I agree with explanation, Thank you for posting

Bunuel · Answer

Official Solution:

1. It can most reasonably be inferred that if the strategy described in the final paragraph of the passage were followed, which of the following would be true?

A. Coral reefs that are manually transplanted would eventually outgrow those left to recover naturally.
B. Coral reefs will regenerate at a slower rate than manual transplantation.
C. Coral bleaching is more likely to occur in reefs that are left undisturbed compared to those that undergo transplantation.
D. The need for artificial transplantation of coral fragments would be reduced.
E. Over time, manually transplanted coral fragments would be more resilient than naturally recruited coral.

A  is not directly supported by the passage. The passage suggests that manual transplantation disrupts natural regrowth and increases the risk of bleaching, but it does not state that transplanted corals will eventually outgrow naturally regenerating reefs.

B  contradicts the information provided in the passage. The passage indicates that natural recruitment produced more juvenile corals per square meter than manual transplantation efforts.

C  contradicts the passage. The passage explicitly states that transplanted corals have a higher likelihood of bleaching than naturally established coral.

D  aligns with the strategy described in the final sentence. The passage suggests that protecting reef areas from human activity allows natural recruitment to progress, reducing the need for artificial transplantation.

E  is not directly supported by the passage. The passage implies that naturally recruited coral is more resilient, as it adapts better to the local environment over time.

2. The authors of the study described in the passage would most likely agree with which of the following statements?

A. Manual transplantation of coral fragments is preferable to allowing natural coral recruitment in reefs damaged by hurricanes.
B. Creating artificial structures to anchor transplanted coral is the most effective way to ensure long-term reef recovery.
C. Conservationists advocating for coral transplantation may overlook the potential negative impacts on natural coral regrowth.
D. Manually transplanting coral fragments increases physical stress on the coral, raising the likelihood of bleaching.
E. Coral reefs damaged by hurricanes should undergo manual transplantation only if natural recruitment does not occur.

A  contradicts the passage. The passage explicitly states that natural recruitment produced more juvenile corals per square meter than manual transplantation.

B  is not directly supported by the passage. Although artificial structures reduced immediate dislodgement, the passage mentions that these structures caused shading, which limited coral growth.

C  is not directly supported by the passage. While the study contradicts expectations, it does not explicitly state that conservationists advocating for transplantation overlook the negative effects.

D  aligns with the findings described in the passage. The passage clearly indicates that manually transplanted coral experienced a 40% higher likelihood of bleaching due to increased physical stress.

E  is not directly supported by the passage. The passage suggests that protecting damaged areas from human activity fosters natural regrowth but does not mention transplantation as a conditional last resort.

3. The primary purpose of the passage is to

A. critique conservationists’ arguments for manually transplanting coral fragments to restore damaged reefs.
B. outline a debate between conservationists and researchers regarding coral reef restoration strategies.
C. discuss the effectiveness of various methods for reducing coral bleaching in hurricane-damaged reefs.
D. describe the methodology used in a study assessing coral recruitment in hurricane-damaged reef zones.
E. present data from a study investigating whether manually transplanting coral fragments aids reef recovery.

A  is not the primary purpose. While the study challenges the expectations of some conservationists, the focus is on the results rather than critiquing arguments.

B  is not directly supported by the passage. The passage does not describe a debate but rather presents findings from a study.

C  misrepresents the focus. Although bleaching is discussed, the passage primarily centers on comparing manual transplantation to natural recruitment.

D  is too narrow. The study’s methodology is briefly mentioned, but the primary focus is on the results and their implications for reef management.

E  aligns with the overall goal of the passage. The passage highlights data from a study that examines whether manual transplantation benefits reef recovery or if natural processes are more effective.

A study on coral reef restoration in the Caribbean has revealed that

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GMAT Reading Comprehension (RC) Questions

A study on coral reef restoration in the Caribbean has revealed that

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