In considering the origin of species, it is quite conceivable that a n

Question 4

The definition of critical: expressing adverse or disapproving comments or judgment
The definition of impartial: treating all rivals or disputants equally; fair and just.


Sajjad,

The examples provided above and repasted below for convenience are not "fair and just" but are expressing "disapproving comments or judgements." Specifically, the definition of preposterous is, "contrary to reason or common sense; utterly absurd or ridiculous." Calling someone's belief "utterly absurd or ridiculous" is by no means impartial.



1. I read this below as: Yes, you're ideas sound good, but until you can prove it, I consider you wrong.
Nevertheless, such a conclusion, even if well founded, would be unsatisfactory, until it could be shown how the innumerable species inhabiting this world have been modified, so as to acquire that perfection of structure and co adaptation which most justly excites our admiration.


2. The definition of preposterous is "contrary to reason or common sense; utterly absurd or ridiculous," which I do not believe is being "fair and just" in the analysis of one side's argument.
In the case of the mistletoe, which draws its nourishment from certain trees, which has seeds that must be transported by certain birds, and which has flowers with separate sexes absolutely requiring the agency of certain insects to bring pollen from one flower to the other, it is equally preposterous to account for the structure of this parasite, with its relations to several distinct organic beings, by the effects of external conditions, or of habit, or of the volition of the plant itself.

Sajjad1994 - Thanks for the explanation, but the passage doesn't state anything about mistletoe's reproduction, but mentions only about mistletoe's nourishment. Hence, how can Option D, which talks about mistletoe's reproduction, be inferred from the passage.

Passage excerpt: "In the case of the mistletoe, which draws its nourishment from certain trees, which has seeds that must be transported by certain birds, and which has flowers with separate sexes absolutely requiring the agency of certain insects to bring pollen from one flower to the other, it is equally preposterous to account for the structure of this parasite, with its relations to several distinct organic beings, by the effects of external conditions, or of habit, or of the volition of the plant itself."
-> It talks about mistletoe requiring nourishment from trees that have seeds transported by birds. No mention of reproduction

Option (E): The mistletoe cannot reproduce by itself but needs the assistance of other species.
-> talks about reproduction

Can you please guide what I am missing here?

AndrewN - Would be great if you can please correct me. Thanks

Hello, Pankaj0901. I can see the problem, and it has to do with your interpretation of the grammatical structure of the sentence. That second relative (which) clause is not modifying trees, but is acting as the second element in a three-part list that modifies mistletoe:

In the case of mistletoe, which X, which Y, and which Z, it is equally preposterous...

Hence, it is mistletoe that draws nourishment... has seeds that must be transported by certain birds, and has flowers that are pollinated by insects. You can tell that the second relative clause is not referring to trees because of its use of has in which has—it would not make sense to say trees has.

Perhaps the explanation provided earlier makes more sense now. Thank you for thinking to ask.

- Andrew

Very nicely explained, AndrewN. Thank you!
My poor interpretation.

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