Although numbers of animals in a given region may fluctuate from year

Wynne-Edwards's theory says that animals use social displays to convey information about population size. The paragraph ends by saying that this view has been challenged. 6C provides an example of such a challenge: a study that suggests a different purpose for group vocalization, one of the social displays that Wynne-Edwards addresses. E might look tempting, but it merely compares the frequency of two such displays. It still supports the idea that these displays are used for conveying information about population. The other choices all seems to support or build on the theory rather than refute it.
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All correct in 9 mins 10 seconds, including 3 mins to read .

1. The primary purpose of the passage is to
(E) summarize a number of scientific theories that attempt to explain why animal populations do not exceed certain limits ="Although numbers of animals in a given region may fluctuate from year to year, the fluctuations are often temporary and, over long periods, trivial. Scientists have advanced three theories of population control to account for this relative constancy."


2. It can be inferred from the passage that proponents of the density-dependent theory of population control have not yet been able to
(D) make sufficiently accurate predictions about the effects of crowding - "One challenge for density-dependent theorists is to develop models that would allow the precise prediction of the effects of crowding."

3. Which of the following, if true, would best support the density-dependent theory of population control as it is described in the passage?

(A) As the number of foxes in Minnesota decrease, the growth rate of this population of foxes begins of increase. -"the rate of growth of a population in a region decreases as the number of animals increases"

4. According to the Wynne-Edwards theory as it is described in the passage, epideictic behavior displays serve the function of
(D) regulating sexual activity -A third theory, proposed by Wynne-Edwards and termed “epideictic,” argues that organisms have evolved a “code” in the form of social or epideictic behavior displays, such as winter-roosting aggregations or group vocalizing; such codes provide organisms with information on population size in a region so that they can, if necessary, exercise reproductive restraint. "


5. The challenge posed to the Wynne-Edwards-theory by several studies is regarded by the author with
(B) qualified acceptance -"However, Wynne-Edwards’ theory, linking animal social behavior and population control, has been challenged, with some justification, by several studies."

6. Which of the following statements would provide the most of logical continuation of the final paragraph of the passage?
(C) The results of one study, for instance, have suggested that group vocalizing is more often used to defend territory than to provide information about population density.-"However, Wynne-Edwards’ theory, linking animal social behavior and population control, has been challenged, with some justification, by several studies."
The last sentence of last paragraph states that WE theory has been challenged by several studies . C goes ahead by giving an example .
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Can anyone explain why A is the correct answer in question #3 ?

We need information from paragraph 2 to answer question 3.
Relevant information from the text:
1) the rate of growth of a population in a region decreases as the number of animals increases.
2) as numbers increase, the food supply would probably diminish, which would increase mortality.
3) predators can find prey more easily in high-density populations.
4) a rise in numbers may bring about hormonal changes in the pituitary and adrenal glands that in turn may regulate population by lowering sexual activity and inhibiting sexual maturation.

Now the answer choices:

(A) As the number of foxes in Minnesota decrease, the growth rate of this population of foxes begins of increase. This matches information (1).
(B) As the number of woodpeckers in Vermont decreases, the growth rate of this population of woodpeckers also begins to decrease. This contradicts information (1)
(C) As the number of prairie dogs in Oklahoma increases, the growth rate of this population of prairie dogs also begins to increase. Same problem as choice (B)
(D) After the number of beavers in Tennessee decreases, the number of predators of these beavers begins to increase. This contradicts information (3).
(E) After the number of eagles in Montana decreases, the food supply of this population of eagles also begins to decrease. This contradicts information (2).
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2. It can be inferred from the passage that proponents of the density-dependent theory of population control have not yet been able to

(A) use their theory to explain the population growth of organisms with short life cycles
(B) reproduce the results of the study of Christian and Davis
(C) explain adequately why the numbers of a population can increase as the population’s rate of growth
decreases
(D) make sufficiently accurate predictions about the effects of crowding
(E) demonstrate how predator populations are themselves regulated

can somebody please explain how the answer to the second question is D?

Hi Dmitry,

Can u plz explain why we have to search for refuting Whynne's theory option, when it is asking about continuation of the passage ??
why is D wrong here ??
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Because the second theory says that if number increases, then rate decreases. Now come to options.
(A) As the number of foxes in Minnesota decrease, the growth rate of this population of foxes begins of increase. Contender for correct option. Bcoz if no. decreases, the rate will increase.
(B) As the number of woodpeckers in Vermont decreases, the growth rate of this population of woodpeckers also begins to decrease. No. decrease , rate decreases.
(C) As the number of prairie dogs in Oklahoma increases, the growth rate of this population of prairie dogs also begins to increase. No increaes, rate increases.
(D) After the number of beavers in Tennessee decreases, the number of predators of these beavers begins to increase. No. decreases, predators increases so rate also decreases.
(E) After the number of eagles in Montana decreases, the food supply of this population of eagles also
begins to decrease. No decreases, food decreases, so rate also decreases.


That's why option A is correct.

idivya, we want to refute Wynne-Edwards' theory because that's what's happening at the very end of the passage. These "continuation" questions want us to be very direct. What could we immediately attach to the end of the passage? The last sentence says that some studies have challenged W-E's theory. C follows directly upon that by providing an example of a study that contradicts his theory.

D is the exact opposite of what we want. It says that some studies have supported or extended his work. This would be like saying. "The president claims that violent crime has increased, but some studies disagree. For instance, one study showed that homicides in metropolitan areas had doubled." This directly contradicts what we'd expect, namely, a study showing that violence had gone down!
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P1 - 3 theories are introduced in following paras.
P2/p3/p4 - 3 theories.

1. The primary purpose of the passage is to

(E) summarize a number of scientific theories that attempt to explain why animal populations do not exceed certain limits - straight answer
---------------------------------------
2. It can be inferred from the passage that proponents of the density-dependent theory of population control have not yet been able to
p3 - One challenge for density-dependent theorists is to develop models that would allow the precise prediction of the effects of crowding.
(D) make sufficiently accurate predictions about the effects of crowding
---------------------------------------

3. Which of the following, if true, would best support the density-dependent theory of population control as it is described in the passage?
the rate of growth of a population in a region decreases as the number of animals increases.

(A) As the number of foxes in Minnesota decrease, the growth rate of this population of foxes begins of increase.
-----------------------------------------
4. According to the Wynne-Edwards theory as it is described in the passage, epideictic behavior displays serve the function of
exercise reproductive restraint.

(D) regulating sexual activity

--------------------------------------------
5. The challenge posed to the Wynne-Edwards-theory by several studies is regarded by the author with

(A) complete indifference - not complete
(B) qualified acceptance - acceptance is there. qualified it used to say that no significant opposition to it.
(C) skeptical amusement - i doubt it.
(D) perplexed astonishment - too far
(E) agitated dismay - too extreme
---------------------------------------------

6. Which of the following statements would provide the most of logical continuation of the final paragraph of the passage?
Something that present a challenge and weaken this theory.

(C) The results of one study, for instance, have suggested that group vocalizing is more often used to defend territory than to provide information about population density.
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Question 3

You are correct in pointing out that the passage only discusses the density-dependent theory in the case of growth rate decreasing as the number of animals increases. However, the overall purpose of the passage is to present theories explaining the "relative constancy" of animal populations in a given region. With this broader purpose in mind, it is not a huge assumption to apply the density-dependent theory to a case in which the number of animals is decreasing and infer that the growth rate will increase.

In addition, by using the process of elimination it is clear that no other answer choice supports the density-dependent theory at all. Even if (A) requires a small leap of logic, it is without a doubt the correct answer because the other answer choices can be definitively eliminated.

Question 4

Question #4 asks what function "epideictic behavior displays" serve. In other words, what is the purpose of these behaviors?

In the last paragraph the author explains that, according to the epideictic theory, "organisms have evolved a “code” in the form of social or epideictic behavior displays, such as winter-roosting aggregations or group vocalizing; such codes provide organisms with information on population size in a region so that they can, if necessary, exercise reproductive restraint."

So, animals have developed certain behaviors in order to spread information about population size. The purpose of spreading this information is to allow organisms to limit the population by having fewer offspring.

Let's first look at (A):

The passage discusses winter-roosting aggregations as an example of an epideictic behavior, but the purpose of this behaviors is not "determining roosting aggregations." As discussed above, these behaviors are used to allow organisms to make the decision to have fewer babies. So, (A) does not reflect the function served by epideictic behaviors.

Now take a look at (D):

This aligns nicely with our analysis above -- the function of epideictic behaviors is to allow organisms to "exercise reproductive restraint" if necessary. (D) is the correct answer to question #4.

Question 5

To answer this question, we need to find out how the author feels about the challenge posed to the Wynne-Edwards theory.

The relevant piece of the passage is the very last sentence: "However, Wynne-Edwards’ theory, linking animal social behavior and population control, has been challenged, with some justification, by several studies."

Here, the author reveals that he/she thinks that the studies challenging the Wynne-Edwards theory have "some justification." In looking through the answer choices, we need one that reflects this somewhat reserved support for the challenges to the theory.

The only answer choice that fits the bill is (B), "qualified acceptance." The author accepts that the challenge is justified, but qualifies (or adds conditions to) this acceptance with the modifier "some."

I hope that helps!
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Question #1: 500
Question #2: 550
Question #3: 600
Question #4: 600
Question #5: 600
Question #6: 650

Overall: 600

I am confused in ques 5.

How can it be a "Qualified acceptance" if it is challenged with justifications, by several studies.

Hi rocky620,


Please refer this answer by expert here:
https://gmatclub.com/forum/although-numbers-of-animals-in-a-given-region-may-fluctuate-from-year-160536.html#p2304076

Let me know if you still have doubts.


Thanks.

Q3(A) uses Contrapositive. If I'm not wrong. Right?

D4kshGargas

yes, they use the statement if increase in population will lead to decrease in food supply and regulation of the rate of growth.

It can be inferred that if there is no decrease in food supply, there wont be any regulation of food supply and growth of population wont be restricted.

Hope this makes sense

In Q2, what's the difference between (B) and (D)? Scientists are not able to do (B) therefore not able to do (D). Both seem to be correct?

lakshya14, the passage does not talk about reproducing the results of Christian and Davis. Scientists know crowding has an impact. They are just having a hard time in developing a model that would allow the precise prediction of the effects of crowding.

1. The primary purpose of the passage is to

(A) argue against those scientists who maintain that animal populations tend to fluctuate
(B) compare and contrast the density-dependent and epideictic theories of population control
(C) provide example of some of the ways in which animals exercise reproductive restraint to control their own numbers
(D) suggests that theories of population control that concentrate on the social behavior of animals are more open to debate than are theories that do not
(E) summarize a number of scientific theories that attempt to explain why animal populations do not exceed certain limits

=> IMO: E

2. It can be inferred from the passage that proponents of the density-dependent theory of population control have not yet been able to
Scope line: “One challenge for density-dependent theorists is to develop models that would allow the precise prediction of the effects of crowding.”

(A) use their theory to explain the population growth of organisms with short life cycles
(B) reproduce the results of the study of Christian and Davis
(C) explain adequately why the numbers of a population can increase as the population’s rate of growth decreases
(D) make sufficiently accurate predictions about the effects of crowding
(E) demonstrate how predator populations are themselves regulated

=> D

3. Which of the following, if true, would best support the density-dependent theory of population control as it is described in the passage?
Scope: “the rate of growth of a population in a region decreases as the number of animals increases.”

(inversely proportional relationship between rate of growh & the number)
(A) As the number of foxes in Minnesota decreases, the growth rate of this population of foxes begins to increase.
(B) As the number of woodpeckers in Vermont decreases, the growth rate of this population of woodpeckers also begins to decrease.
(C) As the number of prairie dogs in Oklahoma increases, the growth rate of this population of prairie dogs also begins to increase.
(D) After the number of beavers in Tennessee decreases, the number of predators of these beavers begins to increase.
(E) After the number of eagles in Montana decreases, the food supply of this population of eagles also begins to decrease.

4. According to the Wynne-Edwards theory as it is described in the passage, epideictic behavior displays serve the function of
Scope line: “such codes provide organisms with information on population size in a region so that they can, if necessary, exercise reproductive restraint.”

(A) determining roosting aggregations
(B) locating food
(C) attracting predators
(D) regulating sexual activity
(E) triggering hormonal changes