B.
Here's my 2 cents.
I have highlighted some text in the passage to support the answer.

The last line is

The lack of human disturbance, however, allows mature forests to replace the shrubby vegetation preferred by the animals. Human benevolence may prove little better for these rhinos than past human maltreatment.

Let's analyze the options one by one.

A. To demonstrate that the Indonesian herd has better odds of surviving than the Vietnamese herd.
There is no comparison going on here, so this is eliminated.

B. To support the contention that the Javan rhino species may not be able to recover from its current state.
Correct. Look at the highlighted text, IMO that is the main point of the passage. The passage has already mentioned that the Vietnamese herd does not have the genetic diversity to survive. The line before the last line mentions that the preferred habitat by rhinos is getting replaced by dense forests due to lack of human interference. These points add up to the suggest that rhinos may not after all be able to survive.

C. To establish that farmers and hunters are no longer killing Javan rhinos.
Nothing mentioned about this, so eliminated.

D. To reinforce the idea that the Indonesian herd of the Javan rhino species will not survive.
This is tricky. Although this is more nicely narrowed down to the context of Indonesian rhinos(content about which is closely placed to the last line), this option goes too far in saying that "they will not survive". Only because of extreme language, this is wrong.

E. To illustrate that human benevolence can be just as detrimental to the survival of a species as can human maltreatment.
This is also tricky. Although the last line does illustrate this for rhinos, it does not illustrate this for ANY SPECIES, as is indicated by the highlighted text - "a" species. Because of this, it's also wrong

Hi VeritasPrepKarishma This is an example of what I was taught to avoid during my gmat prep.

The passage says the following: Now, human efforts to save them may well prove futile. The Vietnamese herd is probably doomed, as too few remain to maintain the necessary genetic variation.

Although the words are strong/extreme, I chose answer b in question 2 because I thought it described the author's feelings accurately. Can you shed some light? Usually, I'm able to narrow down my answer selection to two choices but I'm not sure how answer d can be correct here. The question specifically asks for the author's attitude towards current human effort but I believe answer d points to the current situation but I can't infer from the following statement in the passage that this was done on purpose.

Ironically, however, the lack of human disturbance allows mature forests to replace the shrubby vegetation the animals prefer.

Note that there are 2 habitats for Javan rhinos - a dozen in Vietnam and a 100 in Indonesia.
The author seems to have given up on those in Vietnam since they don't have the genetic diversity but he certainly has not given up on those in Indonesia. He says that they do have the genetic diversity. The problem is that since their habitat is untouched by humans, the shrubby they prefer is getting replaced. So perhaps, for once, human intervention will help them survive (usually, human intervention is what causes extinctions and hence this is ironic)
Hence problematic and ironic is the perfect description of how he feels.
He does feel that the Vietnam ones are doomed but not so for the Indonesia ones so (B) would not be correct.
_________________

1. For what purpose does the author include the last sentence of the passage?

(A) To demonstrate that the Indonesian herd has better odds of surviving than the Vietnamese herd. it's not about the comparison about the two species but about the humans' long-term impact on Indonesian species both by actively diminishing its numbers and by withdrawing from any encounter with the animal

(B) To support the contention that the Javan rhino species may not be able to recover from its current state. correct: " For centuries, farmers who wished to cultivate the rhino’s habitat viewed the animals as crop-eating pests and shot them on sight; during the colonial period, hunters slaughtered thousands for their horns, as poachers still do today. <..> The lack of human disturbance, however, allows mature forests to replace the shrubby vegetation preferred by the animals. Human benevolence may prove little better for these rhinos than past human maltreatment."

(C) To establish that farmers and hunters are no longer killing Javan rhinos. so this would prove to be not just a "little better" effect, but the author suggests that even the preservation does not do so good to protect them

(D) To reinforce the idea that the Indonesian herd of the Javan rhino species will not survive. "The Indonesian rhinos are <...> thought to have sufficient genetic diversity to survive." On the other hand, the last comment reveals that the author is actually uncertain about the future of those animals

(E) To illustrate that human benevolence can be just as detrimental to the survival of a species as can human maltreatment. the underlined portion is too strong. "Human benevolence may prove little better for these rhinos than past human maltreatment." - the author suggest that the preservation as such seems not to be enough to help save the animal

2. The primary purpose of the passage is to

(A) discuss the habitats of endangered species in Southern Asia given as a support (detail) to the claim by which the author discusses unfavourable conditions for the animal to survive

(B) describe the ways in which human actions affect the viability of endangered species too broad as the passage focus on the rhino not all those that are endangered

(C) outline the decay of a particular species fits the bill

(D) compare and contrast two related sub-species while the author gives a certain distinction that exist with the species, the author gives that to further suggest that both of them face different factors that lower the species survival rates

(E) advocate measures designed to aid a particular species could be true, but not a single measure that could help now is discussed

3. Which of the following best expresses the author’s attitude toward the likely fate of the Javan Rhino?

(A) optimistic about the Indonesian rhino’s long-term survival actually the author is uncertain because of the factors, such as the lack of genetic diversity and unfavourable habitat condition

(B) resigned to the eventual extinction of the species too strong as the author does not clearly state that the animal [b]will disappear but gives support that reduces the chances of survival[/b]

(C) uncertain about the on-going impact of farmers and hunters the author is certain about the impact: the past activity was very detrimental to the survival of the animal, and current protection is better but likely not enough to save the species

(D) pessimistic about the species’ chances for survival correct

(E) ambivalent about the long-term outcome for the Javan rhinoceros the author does seem to have a positive outlook in terms of the survival of the rihno

Hi,

I read the entire discussion but could not get an explaination to Q1 and Q2.

I could not answer the questions correctly. In question 1 how can we infer that more is known about genetics than mating patterns ? There is no such comparision made. And only the mention of genetics does not indicate more is known about genetics. The author might not have discussed about mating patterns.

And Question 2. I could not narrow down to any of the answer choices. Infact, for the other passages also I get most of the questions incorrect since I am not able to understand the meaning of the answer choices. How can I improve upon the same. Please guide.

Thank You

OFFICIAL EXPLANATION

1.
The correct answer to this question will be a claim that must follow from text contained in the passage. This question does not provide any clues as to where the justifying text will be found.
(A) The first paragraph mentions that the the Javan rhino is the most endangered species of large mammal. However, it does not have to be true that it is one of the most endangered animals, a category that is far broader than mammals.
(B) CORRECT. The first paragraph states that very little is known about the life of the Javan rhino. The passage does indicate, however, that scientists have been able to extract information on the species’ DNA from gathered dung. The paragraph also suggests that very little information about female Javan rhinos has been gained, given that scientists only recently discovered whether or not females of the species even have horns. Thus, one can infer that more is known about the genetics of the Javan rhino than its mating patterns.
(C) The second paragraph indicates that hunters slaughtered many rhinos, but it does not mention where. Furthermore, it does not have to be true that more rhinos were killed in Vietnam simply because fewer rhinos remain there.
(D) The passage only discusses the Javan rhino; therefore, a generalization about the extinction of "most animals" is not supported by the passage.
(E) The passage does not mention other survival factors for a species or rank them; therefore, this inference is not supported by the passage.
2.
In the second paragraph, after citing human actions as the cause of the Javan rhino’s plight, the author goes on to mention that the population in Vietnam is probably not viable and that human efforts in Indonesia, such as the protection of the rhino on the Ujung Kulun peninsula, have had mixed results. The passage ends with the thought that human benevolence is not helping the rhinos much more than past maltreatment. Thus, the correct answer will note the problems with current human efforts.
(A) The author is certainly not optimistic, as the passage mentions that in Vietnam the outlook is doubtful and in Indonesia, problems plague the effort. It is possible, although not certain, that the author considers the effort worthwhile.
(B) The author gives no indication that he or she believes the effort is pointless. Furthermore, especially in Indonesia, the passage does not indicate a certainty that it will fail.
(C) The passage does not at all discuss the profitability of the effort. It is possible, although not certain, that the author considers the effort idealistic.
(D) CORRECT. The discussion of the mixed results and poor prognosis for the population in Vietnam justifies “problematic.” The last sentence of the passage, observing that benevolence has proved little better than maltreatment justifies “ironic.” Also, the author references the ironic quality of human protection of the Javan rhino in the 8th sentence in the 2nd paragraph, “Ironically, however the lack of human disturbance allows mature forests to replace the shrubby vegetation the animals prefer.”
(E) The passage indicates that the efforts have been much less than entirely successful but does not indicate any confusion related to the current efforts. It is possible for efforts to be less than fully successful without being confused. Furthermore, it does not at all address the idea that any particular heroism is involved.
3.
The author mentions the number of horns in the first paragraph in the course of describing the Javan rhino. The correct answer must follow from this text.
(A) Although the Javan rhino is described as rare, the discussion of extinction is in the second paragraph,. Furthermore, the vitality of the African rhino is not mentioned.
(B) The passage contrasts the number of horns of the Javan rhino to that of the African and Sumatran rhinos. However, the author makes a parallel comparison to the Indian rhino because both species have one horn.
(C) The passage only discusses the Javan rhino’s evolution into a separate subspecies in the second paragraph in a completely different context,; no direct link is drawn between this evolution and the Javan rhino’s single horn.
(D) CORRECT. The author mentions the Javan rhino’s single horn in conjunction with a general description of the Javan rhino. The passage then goes on to discuss its habitat and the scientific knowledge to date. Thus, the author included this detail to add depth to his or her description.
(E) The passage only states that until recently scientists were unsure if females had horns, and no definitive answer is given. Furthermore, this point is mentioned in a different context, after the passage has finished describing the Javan rhino.
4.
The first paragraph describes the Javan rhino and indicates how little is known about it. This should be reflected in the answer. It is the second paragraph that relates the effects of human activity on the rhinos and their chances for survival.
(A) This choice is too broad, as the paragraph focuses on the Javan rhino and only mentions its differences from some other rhinos to distinguish the species from others.
(B) This answer choice describes the topic of the second paragraph, not the first.
(C) CORRECT. The first paragraph provides the known facts about the Javan rhino and indicates that much remains unknown.
(D) The steps taken to save the Javan rhino are only mentioned in the second paragraph; they do not appear in the first paragraph.
(E) The first paragraph only indicates the respective number of rhinos in Indonesia and Vietnam in passing, and does not mention the differences between the two groups. The fact that the two have evolved into separate sub-species is mentioned only in the second paragraph.
5.
The passage mentions the Ujung Kulon peninsula in the second paragraph. Immediately before that, the passage states that Indonesian Javan rhinos cannot supplement those in because they have evolved into separate sub-species. The correct answer choice will rely upon this fact.
(A) CORRECT. This choice rephrases the information in the second paragraph which states that the Indonesian Javan rhinos have evolved into a separate sub- species.
(B) The passage does not mention the aquatic abilities of the Javan rhino nor can it be assumed that they would have to get there without human assistance.
(C) The passage does not discuss the funds available in either country; therefore this choice is incorrect.
(D) The passage does not mention the difficulty involved in capturing a rhino; therefore this choice is incorrect.
(E) The passage does not mention terrorist activity at all; therefore, this choice is incorrect.
6.
In the second paragraph, the passage states that the “near extinction of the Javan rhino is the direct result of human actions.” The correct answer must be justified by that statement.
(A) Rhino deaths at the hands of farmers are mentioned as a detail and as just one of the human actions responsible. It does not single farmers out as the primary cause of the Javan rhino’s near extinction.
(B) The passage mentions the separation of from the mainland to explain why the Javan rhino population in Vietnam cannot be supplemented by rhinos from Ujung Kulon. It is not discussed as a reason for the near extinction of the Javan rhino.
(C) Rhino deaths at the hands of hunters are mentioned as a detail and as just one of the human actions responsible. It does not single hunters out as the primary cause of the Javan rhino’s near extinction.
(D) The passage does not say that current human efforts are at all responsible for the near extinction of the Javan rhino. Instead, it indicates that current benevolent human efforts may not prove sufficient to save them.
(E) CORRECT. The beginning of the second paragraph clearly states that human actions, taken as a whole, have directly caused the near extinction of the Javan rhino.
_________________

1. Which of the following can be inferred from the passage?

A. Javan rhinos are one of the most endangered animals on the planet.
B. More is known about the genetics of the Javan rhino than is known about its mating patterns.
C. Hunters killed more Javan rhinos in Vietnam than in Indonesia.
D. Most animal extinctions are the result of human actions.
E. Genetic diversity is the most important factor for the survival of a species.

How can we say that the DNA gathered from dung of female rhino does not give same level of details?

1. Which of the following can be inferred from the passage?
A. Javan rhinos are one of the most endangered animals on the planet. - not mentioned, eliminate it basis "most"
B. More is known about the genetics of the Javan rhino than is known about its mating patterns. - yes, refer 1st para last line, not much was know about it untill recently. they studied the DNA garnered from dung.
C. Hunters killed more Javan rhinos in Vietnam than in Indonesia. - - not mentioned who killed more
D. Most animal extinctions are the result of human actions. - may be, but it is not mentioned, eliminate it basis "most"
E. Genetic diversity is the most important factor for the survival of a species. - - not mentioned, eliminate it basis "most"

2. The author’s attitude toward current human efforts to save the Javan rhino can best be described as

So overall, author has mentioned two views in 2nd para which are in different direction:
- Now, human efforts to save them may well prove futile.
- Thus, human benevolence may prove little better for these rhinos than past human maltreatment.

option D, seems like the only fit.

3. The author mentions that the Javan rhino has only one horn in order to do which of the following?

so the summary of 1st para would be,
- Javan is rare mammal
- features of javan (horns, habitat etc)
- rare and unknown, since none studied untill now

clearly, choice D covers the 2nd aspect of para. describing feature

POE
A. explain why it is closer to extinction than the African rhino - not even close
B. contrast it to the number of horns that the Indian rhino has - well it is comparing with India's rhino but the purpose is not this. prupose is to tell more aboout rhino's features
C. demonstrate its evolution into a separate sub-species - no
D. describe the features of the animal - yay!!
E. contrast it to the number of horns that females have - no

4. The purpose of the first paragraph is to
basis summary given in answer 3, C. outline the few known facts about the Javan rhino

5. According to the passage, which of the following best explains why the number of Javan rhinos in Vietnam cannot be increased by additions from those in the Ujung Kulon peninsula?
refer 2nd para,
Rhinos from Java cannot supplement the Vietnamese numbers because
- in the millions of years since Indonesia separated from the mainland, the two groups have evolved into separate sub-species.

so option a

6. The author states that which of the following was most responsible for the near extinction of the Javan rhino?
1st line of 2nd para, The near extinction of the Javan rhino is the direct result of human actions

option E

Yes the answer is E. It is now corrected i suppose

When I read the last time "Human benevolence may prove little better for these rhinos than past human maltreatment", I thought that the author is mentioning that humans must interfere as there is hope for survival of the indonesian herd.

If the author wanted to talk about the past inaction, shouldn't 'proved' be used?

Found this to be ambiguous

Could someone explain why option B is the answer for question 1.

My main takeaway from the tons of RC passages I have practiced with: if confused between answer choices, steer clear of sweeping statements that discount all other reasons and leave no room for multiple potential explanations. Usually, these statements are qualified with absolute terms such as "completely", "only", "definitely", etc.

Dear Experts,
mikemcgarry IanStewart VeritasKarishma daagh EMPOWERgmatRichC nightblade354 DmitryFarber
The passage states that "The decline of the species may have progressed too far to be reversed". In such a case, why is option D better than option B?

The author is resigned to the demise of the Vietnamese herd of rhinos, but not of the Indonesian herd, and the question asks about all Javan rhinos.

It is a prep company question, though, and I wouldn't recommend relying on prep co questions for study. Question 2, for example, is not right:



The author's attitude is not "problematic". It's the human efforts to save the rhino that are potentially "problematic". The question is asking about the wrong thing.
_________________

In question 1 where it is mentioned about mating patterns ....

Which of the following best expresses the author’s attitude toward the likely fate of the Javan Rhino?


A)optimistic about the Indonesian rhino’s long-term survival

B)resigned to the eventual extinction of the species

C)uncertain about the ongoing impact of farmers and hunters

D)pessimistic about the species’ chances for survival

E)ambivalent about the long-term outcome for the Javan rhinoceros

Why is not E? It is the only one I got wrong, I was tempted by D, but at the end of the passage the author states:

"The Indonesian rhinos are protected on the Ujung Kulon peninsula, which is unsettled by humans, and still thought to have sufficient genetic diversity to survive."

Is it because it is not precisely talking about the Javan Rhinos? What's the mistake here?

Hi Genoa2000,

I don't see this question in the passage, but its very similar to question 2 asked in the passage. To answer your question, consider the lines:


and [quote] "Ironically, however, the lack of human disturbance allows mature forests to replace the shrubby vegetation the animals prefer. Thus, human benevolence may prove little better for these rhinos than past human maltreatment."[quote]

These lines imply that author is skeptical about the measures being taken now to save the Javan Rhinos.

The line that you have highlighted is an example where there is still a chance for Javan rhinos to survive but author also mentions (2nd highlighted quoted) that no human disturbance might result in the decline of shrubby vegetation that the rhinos need to survive on, implying that human interference to protect the rhinos might be little better than leaving the rhinos completely alone or maltreating them.
Thus, making option D a better choice.

Hope this Helps.
Thanks.

what's the level of this RC passage ??

The difficulty level of the questions should be as follow.

Question #1: 750
Question #2: 750
Question #3: 650
Question #4: 600
Question #5: 500

Best.
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