In humans, the pilomotor reflex leads to the response commonly known a

Question

In humans, the pilomotor reflex leads to the response commonly known as goose bumps, and this response is widely considered to be vestigial—that is, something formerly having a greater physiological advantage than at present. It occurs when the tiny muscle at the base of a hair follicle contracts, pulling the hair upright. In animals with feathers, fur, or quills, this creates a layer of insulating warm air or a reason for predators to think twice before attacking. But human hair is too puny to serve these functions. Goose bumps in humans may, however, have acquired a  new role .  Like flushing—another thermoregulatory (heat-regulating) mechanism—goose bumps have become linked with emotional responses, notably fear, rage, or the pleasure of, say, listening to beautiful music.  Tey may thus serve as a signal to others.    1 
 1. In explaining the “new role” ( Highlighted ) that goose bumps in humans may have acquired, the author assumes which of the following?

A. Emotional responses in humans can be triggered by thermoregulatory mechanisms.
B. Te perceptibility of emotional responses to other humans offers some kind of beneft.
C. If human hair were more substantial, goose bumps would not have acquired a new role.
D. Goose bumps in animals with feathers, fur, or quills may also be linked to emotional responses.
E. In humans, goose bumps represent an older physiological response than flushing.

2 
 2. Which of the following best describes the primary function of the next-to-last sentence (“Like . . . music”)?

A. It makes a distinction between two types of mechanisms.
B. It corrects a common misconception about the role of goose bumps in humans.
C. It suggests reasons for the connection between emotional responses and goose bumps in humans.
D. It suggests that flushing and goose bumps signal the same emotional state.
E. It helps explain a possible role played by goose bumps in humans.

Sajjad1994 · Answer

OE

1. In explaining the “new role” (Highlighted) that goose bumps in humans may have acquired, the author assumes which of the following?

The passage describes the physiological phenomenon of pilomotor reflex (or  “goose bumps” ) and discusses its usefulness in animals and in human beings. 
  
 The passage addresses the question of why the pilomotor reflex has survived in human   beings despite the fact that its original functions—to insulate and to appear larger to   predators—are no longer useful. Te suggested reason is that the reflex  “has acquired a     new role,”  namely, as a means to signal to others that one is experiencing a strong   emotion. Tis assumes that the ability to send such a signal is useful to human beings;   therefore Choice B is correct.

Answer: B

Sajjad1994 · Answer

OE

2. Which of the following best describes the primary function of the next-to-last sentence (“Like . . . music”)?

The next-to-last sentence says that goose bumps in humans now serve as an outward sign of strong emotion. If so, this would explain how they could have taken on another role, so  Choice E  is correct. Te sentence does not make a distinction  (Choice A) , correct a misconception  (Choice B) , suggest any reason for the connection between emotion and goose bumps  (Choice C) , or suggest that flushing and goose bumps signal the same state  (Choice D) . 
  
  Answer: E

In humans, the pilomotor reflex leads to the response commonly known a

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