Last visit was: 19 Nov 2025, 19:06 It is currently 19 Nov 2025, 19:06
Home
GMAT
Messages
Tests
Schools
Events
Rewards
Chat
My Profile
Close
GMAT Club Daily Prep
Thank you for using the timer - this advanced tool can estimate your performance and suggest more practice questions. We have subscribed you to Daily Prep Questions via email.

Customized
for You

we will pick new questions that match your level based on your Timer History

Track
Your Progress

every week, we’ll send you an estimated GMAT score based on your performance

Practice
Pays

we will pick new questions that match your level based on your Timer History
Not interested in getting valuable practice questions and articles delivered to your email? No problem, unsubscribe here.
Go to My Error Log Learn more
Close
Request Expert Reply
Confirm Cancel
Back to Forum
Create Topic
   1   2   3   4   
655-705 Level|   Science|   Short Passage|                           
avatar
Bhavyam
avatar
Joined: 23 Aug 2016
Last visit: 29 Oct 2021
Posts: 19
Own Kudos:
7
Given Kudos: 37
Posts: 19
Kudos: 7
Micro-wear patterns found on the teeth of long-extinct specimens o 20 Sep 2019, 09:41
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
GMATNinja, aragonn

Why is option C of Qs 95 incorrect?
I understand that we can not deduce if there is regional variation in diets because we don't know if baboons are omnivores. However, even if there was regional variation, the diet must still be soft insects (but maybe different types) as it is mentioned diet consists of 'only' softbodied insects. We know that soft insects (any) don't produce much teeth abrasions.

Hence there should be no significant difference in tooth microwear patterns from region to region


Can you please help me understand where am I wrong in the analysis?
avatar
Bhavyam
avatar
Joined: 23 Aug 2016
Last visit: 29 Oct 2021
Posts: 19
Own Kudos:
7
Given Kudos: 37
Posts: 19
Kudos: 7
Micro-wear patterns found on the teeth of long-extinct specimens o 20 Sep 2019, 09:41
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Why is option C of Qs 95 incorrect?
I understand that we can not deduce if there is regional variation in diets because we don't know if baboons are omnivores. However, even if there was regional variation, the diet must still be soft insects (but maybe different types) as it is mentioned diet consists of 'only' softbodied insects. We know that soft insects (any) don't produce much teeth abrasions.

Hence there should be no significant difference in tooth microwear patterns from region to region


Can you please help me understand where am I wrong in the analysis?
User avatar
thangvietnam
User avatar
Joined: 29 Jun 2017
Last visit: 09 Mar 2023
Posts: 768
Own Kudos:
418
 [2]
Given Kudos: 2,198
Posts: 768
Kudos: 418
 [2]
Micro-wear patterns found on the teeth of long-extinct specimens o 08 Oct 2019, 01:19
1
Kudos
Add Kudos
1
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
this is a type of passage we should know. the passage is easy to understand but the questions are hard. quesions are hard because they require high level of inference. we need to infer the information needed from the information in one or two sentences in the passage. this inference can be difficult , making a hard question even if the passage is easy .

so, two thing needed to be done. ability to understand the passage and ability to infer. both need practice.
User avatar
GMATNinja
User avatar
GMAT Club Verbal Expert
Joined: 13 Aug 2009
Last visit: 19 Nov 2025
Posts: 7,443
Own Kudos:
69,787
 [2]
Given Kudos: 2,060
Status: GMAT/GRE/LSAT tutors
Location: United States (CO)
GMAT 1: 780 Q51 V46
GMAT 2: 800 Q51 V51
GRE 1: Q170 V170
GRE 2: Q170 V170
Products:
GMAT Club Tests Forum Quiz
Expert
Expert reply
GMAT 2: 800 Q51 V51
GRE 1: Q170 V170
GRE 2: Q170 V170
Posts: 7,443
Kudos: 69,787
 [2]
Micro-wear patterns found on the teeth of long-extinct specimens o 24 Oct 2019, 19:04
1
Kudos
Add Kudos
1
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Bhavyam
Why is option C of Qs 95 incorrect?
I understand that we can not deduce if there is regional variation in diets because we don't know if baboons are omnivores. However, even if there was regional variation, the diet must still be soft insects (but maybe different types) as it is mentioned diet consists of 'only' softbodied insects. We know that soft insects (any) don't produce much teeth abrasions.

Hence there should be no significant difference in tooth microwear patterns from region to region


Can you please help me understand where am I wrong in the analysis?
Show more
Just to clarify, are you asking about question #3/book question #97? If so, read below:

According to the passage, modern baboons eat "eat only soft-bodied insects rather than hard-bodied insects." This does not mean that they eat exclusively soft-bodied insects -- it just means that they certainly do not eat hard-bodied insects. They could eat only soft-bodied insects, or they could eat soft-bodied insects and fruit, or soft-bodied insects and boney animals, etc.

So while the insects consumed by modern baboons would not cause tooth abrasion, other factors (e.g., bone-crunching), could do so. Perhaps certain populations of modern baboons are bone-crunchers, while others are not. This would result in "significant differences in tooth micro-wear patterns among baboon populations," so (C) is out.

I hope that helps!
User avatar
shabuzen102
User avatar
Joined: 11 Aug 2019
Last visit: 24 Jul 2020
Posts: 67
Own Kudos:
26
Given Kudos: 111
Posts: 67
Kudos: 26
Micro-wear patterns found on the teeth of long-extinct specimens o 12 Feb 2020, 12:17
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
GMATNinja
mynamegoeson
Question #1 why not D?
Question #3 How to chose D over C
Question #5 why C is incorrect

Quote:
(Book Question: 95)
According to the passage, Walker and Szalay disagree on which of the following points?
A. The structure and composition of australopithecine teeth
B. The kinds of conclusions that can be drawn from the micro-wear patterns on australopithecine teeth
C. The idea that fruit was a part of the australopithecine diet
D. The extent to which seed cracking and bone crunching produce similar micro-wear patterns on teeth
E. The function of the heavy enamel on australopithecine teeth
The key to this question can be found in the following sentence: "He also disputes Szalay’s suggestion that the heavy enamel of australopithecine teeth is an adaptation to bone crunching, since both seed cracking and bone crunching produce distinctive micro-wear characteristics on teeth."

In other words, according to Walker, if those primates had in fact used their teeth for bone crunching, then the teeth should show distinctive micro-wear characteristics. We can infer that such micro-wear characteristics are NOT present on the teeth, so Walker disputes the theory that primates developed hard enamel as an adaptation to bone crunching.

Walker says that both seed cracking and bone crunching produce distinctive micro-wear characteristics, but he does NOT say that those characteristics are necessarily the same for both. Also, the passage tells us nothing about Szalay's opinion on the similarities between the patterns produced by seed cracking and those produced by bone crunching, so we have no idea whether the two agree or disagree. Thus, we can rule out (D)

Szalay apparently did not take the micro-wear evidence into account when developing his/her theory. Walker, on the other hand, does consider the micro-wear evidence and, as a result, disagrees with Szalay's theory regarding the function of the heavy enamel on the teeth.

(E) is the best answer.

Quote:
(Book Question: 97)
The passage suggests that which of the following would be true of studies of tooth micro-wear patterns conducted on modern baboons?
A. They would inaccurately suggest that some baboons eat more soft-bodied than hard-bodied insects.
B. They would suggest that insects constitute the largest part of some baboons’ diets.
C. They would reveal that there are no significant differences in tooth micro-wear patterns among baboon populations.
D. They would inadequately reflect the extent to which some baboons consume certain types of insects.
E. They would indicate that baboons in certain regions eat only soft-bodied insects, whereas baboons in other regions eat hard-bodied insects.

We are told that " the diets of current omnivorous primates vary considerably depending on the environments that different groups within a primate species inhabit." If modern baboons are omnivorous, then their diets would vary considerably from group to group depending on environment. Thus, the groups would have different micro-wear patterns. The passage doesn't tell us whether baboons are omnivorous, but it does not give us information to conclude whether the micro-wear patterns of different baboon populations would be similar or varying. (C) can be eliminated.

We are also told that, "insect eating, which can cause distinct micro-wear patterns, would not cause much tooth abrasion in modern baboons, who eat only soft-bodied insects rather than hard-bodied insects." In other words, even eating tons and tons of soft-bodied insects would not cause any abrasion or micro-wear patterns on the teeth of modern baboons. Thus, based on the micro-wear patterns alone, we would not know whether those baboons ate tons of soft-bodied insects or ate no insects at all. The micro-wear patterns would not adequately reflect the extent to which the baboons consumed soft-bodied insects, so choice (D) is the best answer.

Quote:
(Book Question: 99)
It can be inferred from the passage that if studies of tooth micro-wear patterns were conducted on modern baboons, which of the following would most likely be true of the results obtained?
A. There would be enough abrasion to allow a determination of whether baboons are frugivorous or insectivorous.
B. The results would suggest that insects constitute the largest part of the baboons’ diet.
C. The results would reveal that there are no significant differences in tooth micro-wear patterns from one regional baboon population to another.
D. The results would provide an accurate indication of the absence of some kinds of insects from the baboons’ diet.
E. The results would be unlikely to provide any indication of what inferences about the australopithecine diet can or cannot be drawn from micro-wear studies.
As explained for the previous question, we do not know whether the micro-wear patterns of different baboon populations would be similar or varying, so (C) can be eliminated.

We do know that those baboons eat only soft-bodied insects and not hard-bodied insects. Their teeth would NOT show micro-wear patterns that would result from eating hard-bodied insects. Thus, the LACK of such micro-wear patterns would be an "accurate indication of the absence of some kind of insects (hard-bodied insects) from the baboons' diet." (D) is the best answer.

I hope this helps!
Show more

Dear GMATNinja,

I think the key to why I got Question 97 and 99 incorrectly was because I had a hard time thinking abrasion = microwear, since abrasion sounds very serious whereas microwear are just... micro. But apparently, from your explanation, they are the same thing.

The way I interpret this sentence is as followed:
Quote:
For example, insect eating, which can cause distinct micro-wear patterns (which are mild although distinctive), would not cause much tooth abrasion (however, it would STILL cause mild, micro-wear patterns) in modern baboons, who eat only soft-bodied insects rather than hard-bodied insects.
Show more

I know now that my interpretation above is inaccurate. However, how can I tell in the future? Is it because of the use of "can" in "can cause distinct micro-wear" indicates that causing distinct micro-wear is a general thing, where as "would not" talks about this specific case?

I wish they said "which ALTHOUGH can cause distinct micro-wear patterns", making it easier to understand that micro-wear pattern is the same thing as tooth abrasion. :(
User avatar
GMATNinja
User avatar
GMAT Club Verbal Expert
Joined: 13 Aug 2009
Last visit: 19 Nov 2025
Posts: 7,443
Own Kudos:
69,787
 [4]
Given Kudos: 2,060
Status: GMAT/GRE/LSAT tutors
Location: United States (CO)
GMAT 1: 780 Q51 V46
GMAT 2: 800 Q51 V51
GRE 1: Q170 V170
GRE 2: Q170 V170
Products:
GMAT Club Tests Forum Quiz
Expert
Expert reply
GMAT 2: 800 Q51 V51
GRE 1: Q170 V170
GRE 2: Q170 V170
Posts: 7,443
Kudos: 69,787
 [4]
Micro-wear patterns found on the teeth of long-extinct specimens o 28 Feb 2020, 08:42
3
Kudos
Add Kudos
1
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
shabuzen102
GMATNinja
mynamegoeson
Question #1 why not D?
Question #3 How to chose D over C
Question #5 why C is incorrect

Quote:
(Book Question: 95)
According to the passage, Walker and Szalay disagree on which of the following points?
A. The structure and composition of australopithecine teeth
B. The kinds of conclusions that can be drawn from the micro-wear patterns on australopithecine teeth
C. The idea that fruit was a part of the australopithecine diet
D. The extent to which seed cracking and bone crunching produce similar micro-wear patterns on teeth
E. The function of the heavy enamel on australopithecine teeth
The key to this question can be found in the following sentence: "He also disputes Szalay’s suggestion that the heavy enamel of australopithecine teeth is an adaptation to bone crunching, since both seed cracking and bone crunching produce distinctive micro-wear characteristics on teeth."

In other words, according to Walker, if those primates had in fact used their teeth for bone crunching, then the teeth should show distinctive micro-wear characteristics. We can infer that such micro-wear characteristics are NOT present on the teeth, so Walker disputes the theory that primates developed hard enamel as an adaptation to bone crunching.

Walker says that both seed cracking and bone crunching produce distinctive micro-wear characteristics, but he does NOT say that those characteristics are necessarily the same for both. Also, the passage tells us nothing about Szalay's opinion on the similarities between the patterns produced by seed cracking and those produced by bone crunching, so we have no idea whether the two agree or disagree. Thus, we can rule out (D)

Szalay apparently did not take the micro-wear evidence into account when developing his/her theory. Walker, on the other hand, does consider the micro-wear evidence and, as a result, disagrees with Szalay's theory regarding the function of the heavy enamel on the teeth.

(E) is the best answer.

Quote:
(Book Question: 97)
The passage suggests that which of the following would be true of studies of tooth micro-wear patterns conducted on modern baboons?
A. They would inaccurately suggest that some baboons eat more soft-bodied than hard-bodied insects.
B. They would suggest that insects constitute the largest part of some baboons’ diets.
C. They would reveal that there are no significant differences in tooth micro-wear patterns among baboon populations.
D. They would inadequately reflect the extent to which some baboons consume certain types of insects.
E. They would indicate that baboons in certain regions eat only soft-bodied insects, whereas baboons in other regions eat hard-bodied insects.

We are told that " the diets of current omnivorous primates vary considerably depending on the environments that different groups within a primate species inhabit." If modern baboons are omnivorous, then their diets would vary considerably from group to group depending on environment. Thus, the groups would have different micro-wear patterns. The passage doesn't tell us whether baboons are omnivorous, but it does not give us information to conclude whether the micro-wear patterns of different baboon populations would be similar or varying. (C) can be eliminated.

We are also told that, "insect eating, which can cause distinct micro-wear patterns, would not cause much tooth abrasion in modern baboons, who eat only soft-bodied insects rather than hard-bodied insects." In other words, even eating tons and tons of soft-bodied insects would not cause any abrasion or micro-wear patterns on the teeth of modern baboons. Thus, based on the micro-wear patterns alone, we would not know whether those baboons ate tons of soft-bodied insects or ate no insects at all. The micro-wear patterns would not adequately reflect the extent to which the baboons consumed soft-bodied insects, so choice (D) is the best answer.

Quote:
(Book Question: 99)
It can be inferred from the passage that if studies of tooth micro-wear patterns were conducted on modern baboons, which of the following would most likely be true of the results obtained?
A. There would be enough abrasion to allow a determination of whether baboons are frugivorous or insectivorous.
B. The results would suggest that insects constitute the largest part of the baboons’ diet.
C. The results would reveal that there are no significant differences in tooth micro-wear patterns from one regional baboon population to another.
D. The results would provide an accurate indication of the absence of some kinds of insects from the baboons’ diet.
E. The results would be unlikely to provide any indication of what inferences about the australopithecine diet can or cannot be drawn from micro-wear studies.
As explained for the previous question, we do not know whether the micro-wear patterns of different baboon populations would be similar or varying, so (C) can be eliminated.

We do know that those baboons eat only soft-bodied insects and not hard-bodied insects. Their teeth would NOT show micro-wear patterns that would result from eating hard-bodied insects. Thus, the LACK of such micro-wear patterns would be an "accurate indication of the absence of some kind of insects (hard-bodied insects) from the baboons' diet." (D) is the best answer.

I hope this helps!

Dear GMATNinja,

I think the key to why I got Question 97 and 99 incorrectly was because I had a hard time thinking abrasion = microwear, since abrasion sounds very serious whereas microwear are just... micro. But apparently, from your explanation, they are the same thing.

The way I interpret this sentence is as followed:
Quote:
For example, insect eating, which can cause distinct micro-wear patterns (which are mild although distinctive), would not cause much tooth abrasion (however, it would STILL cause mild, micro-wear patterns) in modern baboons, who eat only soft-bodied insects rather than hard-bodied insects.
Show more
Keep in mind that there's nothing in the definition of "abrasion" that inherently implies seriousness. An abrasion is simply a type of damage, wear, or wound that resembles a scrape, a graze, or a rash. Abrasions can be superficial, mild, moderate, severe, or assume any other degree of severity.

Likewise, "micro-" does not indicate a lower level of seriousness or severity. It simply describes physical scale. Micronutrients are not less serious than macronutrients. Microchips are not necessary less powerful than larger computer chips. And I believe it was GMAT Master Yoda who once asked, "Judge me by my size, do you?"

But seriously, it's very important to avoid adding layers of meaning to words when reading a passage.

Quote:
I know now that my interpretation above is inaccurate. However, how can I tell in the future? Is it because of the use of "can" in "can cause distinct micro-wear" indicates that causing distinct micro-wear is a general thing, where as "would not" talks about this specific case?

I wish they said "which ALTHOUGH can cause distinct micro-wear patterns", making it easier to understand that micro-wear pattern is the same thing as tooth abrasion. :(
Show more
Yes, that would be nice. But reading for structure and purpose (while avoiding adding our own meaning to specific words) gets us to the same understanding. Let's look at the context of this sentence one more time:

Quote:
However, research on the diets of contemporary primates suggests that micro-wear studies may have limited utility in determining the foods that are actually eaten. For example, insect eating, which can cause distinct micro-wear patterns, would not cause much tooth abrasion in modern baboons, who eat only soft-bodied insects rather than hard-bodied insects.
Show more
Why does the author bring up insect eating? As an example of why micro-wear studies may have limited utility in determining what foods are eaten.

And what kind of micro-wear has the entire passage been focused on? Micro-wear found on teeth.

Now, given that insect eating is an example of why micro-wear studies may have limited utility, we have all the context we need to understand that "abrasion" is used as an indicator of micro-wear on teeth.

I know these aren't the sexiest answers, but I hope they (a) help clarify the traps that our own interpretations can bring into RC passages, (b) underscore the importance of reading each sentence in context of the greater paragraph and passage, and (c) make you want to re-watch that scene from The Empire Strikes Back. (Full disclosure: I'm not actually a Star Wars fan, and had to google Yoda's quote to figure out which movie it was in. But I'm short and sometimes I talk funny, so I like Yoda...)
avatar
EileenSit
avatar
Joined: 29 Apr 2020
Last visit: 26 Nov 2020
Posts: 1
Given Kudos: 1
Posts: 1
Kudos: 0
Micro-wear patterns found on the teeth of long-extinct specimens o 29 Apr 2020, 08:22
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Quote:
(Book Question: 97)
The passage suggests that which of the following would be true of studies of tooth micro-wear patterns conducted on modern baboons?
A. They would inaccurately suggest that some baboons eat more soft-bodied than hard-bodied insects.
B. They would suggest that insects constitute the largest part of some baboons’ diets.
C. They would reveal that there are no significant differences in tooth micro-wear patterns among baboon populations.
D. They would inadequately reflect the extent to which some baboons consume certain types of insects.
E. They would indicate that baboons in certain regions eat only soft-bodied insects, whereas baboons in other regions eat hard-bodied insects.
Show more

We are told that " the diets of current omnivorous primates vary considerably depending on the environments that different groups within a primate species inhabit." If modern baboons are omnivorous, then their diets would vary considerably from group to group depending on environment. Thus, the groups would have different micro-wear patterns. The passage doesn't tell us whether baboons are omnivorous, but it does not give us information to conclude whether the micro-wear patterns of different baboon populations would be similar or varying. (C) can be eliminated.

We are also told that, "insect eating, which can cause distinct micro-wear patterns, would not cause much tooth abrasion in modern baboons, who eat only soft-bodied insects rather than hard-bodied insects." In other words, even eating tons and tons of soft-bodied insects would not cause any abrasion or micro-wear patterns on the teeth of modern baboons. Thus, based on the micro-wear patterns alone, we would not know whether those baboons ate tons of soft-bodied insects or ate no insects at all. The micro-wear patterns would not adequately reflect the extent to which the baboons consumed soft-bodied insects, so choice (D) is the best answer.
And what kind of micro-wear has the entire passage been focused on? Micro-wear found on teeth.

Now, given that insect eating is an example of why micro-wear studies may have limited utility, we have all the context we need to understand that "abrasion" is used as an indicator of micro-wear on teeth.

>> I think I understands the statements of baboons. "insect eating, which can cause distinct micro-wear patterns, would not cause much tooth abrasion in modern baboons, who eat only soft-bodied insects rather than hard-bodied insects”. In here, the attribute clause: who eat only soft bodied insects, can be regarded as an explanation to why insect eating won't cause distinct micro patterns on baboon. Take a look at option C# They would reveal that there are no significant differences in tooth micro-wear patterns among baboon populations.> If no distinct patterns can be found on baboon, there definitely won't be any significant difference on baboon's teeth pattern. It makes sense logically. Why is it wrong?
User avatar
gmatassassin88
User avatar
Joined: 22 Aug 2018
Last visit: 03 Aug 2022
Posts: 51
Own Kudos:
14
Given Kudos: 135
Posts: 51
Kudos: 14
Micro-wear patterns found on the teeth of long-extinct specimens o 30 Apr 2020, 19:36
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
GMATNinja
aalakshaya
Why is option b wrong in question 1?
See this previous explanation of question #1, and then let's talk specifically about option (B):

GMATNinja

Quote:
(Book Question: 95)
According to the passage, Walker and Szalay disagree on which of the following points?
A. The structure and composition of australopithecine teeth
B. The kinds of conclusions that can be drawn from the micro-wear patterns on australopithecine teeth
C. The idea that fruit was a part of the australopithecine diet
D. The extent to which seed cracking and bone crunching produce similar micro-wear patterns on teeth
E. The function of the heavy enamel on australopithecine teeth

The key to this question can be found in the following sentence: "He also disputes Szalay’s suggestion that the heavy enamel of australopithecine teeth is an adaptation to bone crunching, since both seed cracking and bone crunching produce distinctive micro-wear characteristics on teeth."

In other words, according to Walker, if those primates had in fact used their teeth for bone crunching, then the teeth should show distinctive micro-wear characteristics. We can infer that such micro-wear characteristics are NOT present on the teeth, so Walker disputes the theory that primates developed hard enamel as an adaptation to bone crunching.

Walker says that both seed cracking and bone crunching produce distinctive micro-wear characteristics, but he does NOT say that those characteristics are necessarily the same for both. Also, the passage tells us nothing about Szalay's opinion on the similarities between the patterns produced by seed cracking and those produced by bone crunching, so we have no idea whether the two agree or disagree. Thus, we can rule out (D)

Szalay apparently did not take the micro-wear evidence into account when developing his/her theory. Walker, on the other hand, does consider the micro-wear evidence and, as a result, disagrees with Szalay's theory regarding the function of the heavy enamel on the teeth.
(E) is the best answer.

Answer choice (B) states that Walker and Szalay disagree on "the kinds of conclusions that can be drawn from the micro-wear patterns on australopithecine teeth." We don't know whether or not this is true because the passage never reveals what Szalay thinks about micro-wear patterns. Szalay developed a theory for why australopithecone teeth had heavy enamel, but s/he never weighed in on the evidence of micro-wear patterns on those teeth. Answer (B) is out.

I hope that helps!
Show more

GMATNinja

passage says as per szalay heavy enamel is an adoption to bone chewing.How can we say she did not weighed in on the evidence of micro wear pattern.can't enamel be a part of micro wear pattern on the tooth.? i marked option B thinking study of heavy enamel is a part of study of wear pattern on tooth
User avatar
willacethis
User avatar
Joined: 18 Jan 2018
Last visit: 23 May 2023
Posts: 94
Own Kudos:
93
Given Kudos: 137
Concentration: Finance, Marketing
Schools: HEC MiM "23 (S) INSEAD MiM "22 (I)
GMAT 1: 760 Q49 V44 (Online)
GPA: 3.98
Products:
My Reviews
Schools: HEC MiM "23 (S) INSEAD MiM "22 (I)
GMAT 1: 760 Q49 V44 (Online)
Posts: 94
Kudos: 93
Micro-wear patterns found on the teeth of long-extinct specimens o 30 Apr 2020, 20:14
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Dear experts

Why is option D wrong in question 6?

I understand that option D does not use the logic that Walter used to derive his conclusion. However, as in case of CR, isn't a new information eligible to weaken a conclusion?

In this question, the new information would be Option D (The environment of east Africa at the time australopithecines lived there is found to have been far more varied than is currently thought)

Now, since the passage suggests that new environment can result in variation in tooth micro-wear patterns, why does option D not weaken Walker's conclusion that "australopithecines were frugivores (fruit eaters)" which is based upon his observation regarding the tooth micro-wear characteristics of east African australopithecine.

What if east African australopithecine not chosen by Walker for his observation have different micro-wear patterns, indicating to a different conclusion about their diets?

Thanks!
User avatar
OjhaShishir
User avatar
Joined: 19 Dec 2019
Last visit: 10 Mar 2021
Posts: 31
Own Kudos:
20
Given Kudos: 6
Posts: 31
Kudos: 20
Micro-wear patterns found on the teeth of long-extinct specimens o 13 May 2020, 07:32
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Can experts guide

(i) how the answer to #5 is D and not E?

(ii) How the answer to #6 is C and not B? The passage says "the diets of current omnivorous primates vary considerably depending on the environments that different groups within a primate species inhabit". So, if micro-wear patterns of australopithecine teeth from regions other than east Africa are analyzed, those micro-wear patterns are likely to be very different from the patterns that Walker found (in East Africa), thereby calling into question Walker's conclusions.
User avatar
OjhaShishir
User avatar
Joined: 19 Dec 2019
Last visit: 10 Mar 2021
Posts: 31
Own Kudos:
20
Given Kudos: 6
Posts: 31
Kudos: 20
Micro-wear patterns found on the teeth of long-extinct specimens o 13 May 2020, 07:42
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
GMATNinja

We do know that those baboons eat only soft-bodied insects and not hard-bodied insects. Their teeth would NOT show micro-wear patterns that would result from eating hard-bodied insects. Thus, the LACK of such micro-wear patterns would be an "accurate indication of the absence of some kind of insects (hard-bodied insects) from the baboons' diet." (D) is the best answer.
Show more
Hi GMATNinja, but in addition, the passage also states that the diets of current omnivorous primates vary considerably depending on the environments that different groups within a primate species inhabit.

So, micro-wear patterns of baboons from "one environment" may indicate absence of hard-bodied insects from the baboons' diet; but that may not necessarily be true from the analysis of micro-wear patterns of baboons from "another environment".
User avatar
mSKR
User avatar
Joined: 14 Aug 2019
Last visit: 10 Mar 2024
Posts: 1,290
Own Kudos:
938
Given Kudos: 381
Location: Hong Kong
Concentration: Strategy, Marketing
Schools: IE (A) IIML-IPMX '22 (A) HKUST '22
GMAT 1: 650 Q49 V29
GPA: 3.81
Schools: IE (A) IIML-IPMX '22 (A) HKUST '22
GMAT 1: 650 Q49 V29
Posts: 1,290
Kudos: 938
Micro-wear patterns found on the teeth of long-extinct specimens o 14 Jun 2020, 10:33
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Quote:
4. The passage suggests which of the following about the micro-wear patterns found on the teeth of omnivorous primates?

(A) The patterns provide information about what kinds of foods are not eaten by the particular species of primate, but not about the foods actually eaten.
(B) The patterns of various primate species living in the same environment resemble one another.
(C) The patterns may not provide information about the extent to which a particular species’ diet includes seeds.
(D) The patterns provide more information about these primates’ diet than do the tooth micro-wear patterns of primates who are frugivores.
(E) The patterns may differ among groups within a species depending on the environment within which a particular group lives.
Show more


the diets of current omnivorous primates vary considerably depending on the environments that different groups within a primate species inhabit;
>>It means diets of CURRENT omnivorous would vary depending on environment in which they live. If a group1 : X type lives in Environment A and group2 of primate species : X type lives in Environment B then their diets would vary and thus Micro-wear patterns on the teeth


Quote:
(B) The patterns of various primate species living in the same environment resemble one another.
Show more
>>because species living in same environment then they may have same diet and hence may have same patterns- WHY NOT RIGHT?
Does it mean pattern of group of X type and group of Y type? which is not what mentioned in passage. The passage talks about same types --> different environment --> different patters ( nothing is mentioned about different types in same or different environment)

Quote:
(E) The patterns may differ among groups within a species depending on the environment within which a particular group lives
Show more
>> among groups doesn't mean members in groupA, members in group B?
If as above meaning then members of each group should not have different patters but same- then WHY NOT WRONG?
Does it mean among group means : group1 of X , group2 of X, group3 of X not member1 of group1, member2 of group1 etc.?

what i am doing wrong in B and E, please suggest GodGMATNinja GMATNinjaTwo
User avatar
mSKR
User avatar
Joined: 14 Aug 2019
Last visit: 10 Mar 2024
Posts: 1,290
Own Kudos:
938
Given Kudos: 381
Location: Hong Kong
Concentration: Strategy, Marketing
Schools: IE (A) IIML-IPMX '22 (A) HKUST '22
GMAT 1: 650 Q49 V29
GPA: 3.81
Schools: IE (A) IIML-IPMX '22 (A) HKUST '22
GMAT 1: 650 Q49 V29
Posts: 1,290
Kudos: 938
Micro-wear patterns found on the teeth of long-extinct specimens o 14 Jun 2020, 10:50
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
GMATNinja
Quote:
(Book Question: 99)
It can be inferred from the passage that if studies of tooth micro-wear patterns were conducted on modern baboons, which of the following would most likely be true of the results obtained?
A. There would be enough abrasion to allow a determination of whether baboons are frugivorous or insectivorous.
B. The results would suggest that insects constitute the largest part of the baboons’ diet.
C. The results would reveal that there are no significant differences in tooth micro-wear patterns from one regional baboon population to another.
D. The results would provide an accurate indication of the absence of some kinds of insects from the baboons’ diet.
E. The results would be unlikely to provide any indication of what inferences about the australopithecine diet can or cannot be drawn from micro-wear studies.
kunal1608
Hi GMATNinja, Experts,

Could you please explain why option E is incorrect for Question 5 ( Book Q# 99)

Option E says: The results would be unlikely to provide any indication of what inferences about the australopithecine diet can or cannot be drawn from micro-wear studies.

If we can not infer anything concrete from the studies of tooth micro wear patterns, THEN, WHY is it incorrect to INFER that results would be unlikely to provide any indication of what inferences about the austraXYZ diet can or cannot be drawn.

IS there ANY ASSUMPTION or LEAP which i have taken to think that OPtion E is correct ?

Thanks
Modern baboons eat insects (only soft-bodied). But if we study micro-wear patterns on their teeth, we would NOT find evidence that they eat insects (micro-wear studies would only provide evidence of eating insects if the baboons ate HARD-bodied insects). So, from a micro-wear study, we CANNOT conclude whether an animal eats insects.

Thus, the baboon micro-wear study would LIKELY provide evidence that information about insect consumption cannot be determined from micro-wear studies. In other words, the study would LIKELY provide an indication that you CANNOT draw insect-consumption inferences from micro-wear studies.

If choice (E) said "likely" instead of "unlikely", it would be correct. But, as is, (E) is incorrect (tricky!).

(D) is the best answer.
Show more


Quote:
If choice (E) said "likely" instead of "unlikely", it would be correct. But, as is, (E) is incorrect (tricky!).
Show more
>> likely can be anywhere between 1% to 99%
so unlikely should be 99% to 1%
likely+unlikely = 100%
then E should not be wrong. please suggest
User avatar
saby1410
User avatar
Joined: 06 Feb 2017
Last visit: 10 Jun 2025
Posts: 183
Own Kudos:
23
Given Kudos: 93
Location: India
Posts: 183
Kudos: 23
Micro-wear patterns found on the teeth of long-extinct specimens o 27 Jun 2020, 15:34
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
VeritasKarishma GMATNinja

Why option e is incorrect in question 3
can't we say that environment factor plays role in diet of baboons, for instance, some baboons environment lives in an area where soft-bodied insects found others where hard-bodied.

In question 8
why option C is wrong ?
User avatar
KarishmaB
User avatar
Joined: 16 Oct 2010
Last visit: 19 Nov 2025
Posts: 16,267
Own Kudos:
77,001
 [1]
Given Kudos: 482
Location: Pune, India
Expert
Expert reply
Active GMAT Club Expert! Tag them with @ followed by their username for a faster response.
Posts: 16,267
Kudos: 77,001
 [1]
Micro-wear patterns found on the teeth of long-extinct specimens o 29 Jun 2020, 05:59
1
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
saby1410
VeritasKarishma GMATNinja

Why option e is incorrect in question 3
can't we say that environment factor plays role in diet of baboons, for instance, some baboons environment lives in an area where soft-bodied insects found others where hard-bodied.

In question 8
why option C is wrong ?
Show more


The only thing the passage tells us is this:
insect eating, which can cause distinct micro-wear patterns, would not cause much tooth abrasion in modern baboons, who eat only soft-bodied insects rather than hard-bodied insects.

That baboons teeth will not reflect the extent to which they eat insects because they eat only soft bodied insects.
No where does it say that other baboons eat hard bodied insects. It tells us that they eat only soft bodied insects.

(D) They would inadequately reflect the extent to which some baboons consume certain types of insects.
(E) They would indicate that baboons in certain regions eat only soft-bodied insects, whereas baboons in other regions eat hard-bodied insects.
Hence, (E) is incorrect and (D) is correct.

As for question 8, the passage does not contrast various explanations for the dietary habits. If it did, it would have something like this:
A ate seeds and nuts because that was the only thing available in that region.
They ate seeds and nuts because they evolved from B who ate seeds and nuts.
They ate seeds and nuts because that was all their body could break down and utilise.
etc...
Hence (C) is incorrect.
avatar
mba757
avatar
Current Student
Joined: 15 Jun 2020
Last visit: 04 Aug 2022
Posts: 305
Own Kudos:
94
 [5]
Given Kudos: 245
Location: United States
Schools: Darden '24 (A) Fuqua '24 (WL) Kellogg '24 (D)
GPA: 3.3
Schools: Darden '24 (A) Fuqua '24 (WL) Kellogg '24 (D)
Posts: 305
Kudos: 94
 [5]
Micro-wear patterns found on the teeth of long-extinct specimens o 14 Aug 2020, 06:01
4
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
1. According to the passage, Walker and Szalay disagree on which of the following points?
“He also disputes Szalay’s suggestion that the heavy enamel of australopithecine teeth is an adaptation to bone crunching, since both seed cracking and bone crunching produce distinctive micro-wear characteristics on teeth.”
(A) The structure and composition of australopithecine teeth
Misreading trap – Walker disputes the S’s suggestion that the heavy enamel (of a. teeth) is an adaption to bone crunching. It’s not about the teeth themselves.
(B) The kinds of conclusions that can be drawn from the micro-wear patterns on australopithecine teeth
It’s not multiple kinds of conclusions. There’s one conclusion (suggestion) that Walker disputes. Also we don’t know if Szalay drew this conclusion from the “micro-wear patterns.” Presumably, based on the verbiage within the passage, he didn’t – “Micro-wear patterns found…may provide evidence about their diets”; this seems to show that this almost new. Maybe Szalay didn’t use it then. Or maybe he did. We don’t know.
(C) The idea that fruit was a part of the australopithecine diet
This is Walker’s conclusion. This isn’t what he disputed with Szalay about.
(D) The extent to which seed cracking and bone crunching produce similar micro-wear patterns on teeth
Misinterpretation/one word off trap – This is more the reason why he disputes something, not what he is actually disputing. Szalay might as well have had another reason as to how he reached the conclusion in which Walker is disputing. Moreover, if anything, the word “similar” is wrong here. Even if the above isn’t necessarily accurate, then they mixed up the wording because the passage says “distinctive micro-wear patterns…”
(E) The function of the heavy enamel on australopithecine teeth
“function” seemed off to me at first. But “function” = “bone crunching”

2. The passage suggests that Walker’s research indicated which of the following about australopithecine teeth?
“His conclusion that australopithecines were frugivores (fruit eaters) is based upon his observation that the tooth micro-wear characteristics of east African australopithecine specimens are indistinguishable from those of chimpanzees and orangutans, which are commonly assumed to be frugivorous primates”
(A) They had micro-wear characteristics indicating that fruit constituted only a small part of their diet.
Opposite; if anything, it would constitute a large part of their diet. They’re frugivores, so presumably they ate a lot of fruit…
(B) They lacked micro-wear characteristics associated with seed eating and bone crunching.
Bingo; “He also DISPUTES Szalay’s suggestion that…a. teeth is an adaption to bone crunching, since both seed cracking and bone crunching produce distinctive microwear characteristic on teeth.” So he saying that the latter adaption isn’t to bone crunching.
(C) They had micro-wear characteristics that differed in certain ways from the micro-wear patterns of chimpanzees and orangutans.
Opposite trap; “the tooth micro-wear characteristics of east African australopithecine specimens are indistinguishable from those of chimpanzees and orangutans” – thus, they didn’t differ in certain ways. They were indistinguishable (AKA the same)
(D) They had micro-wear characteristics suggesting that the diet of australopithecines varied from one region to another.
Opposite trap; the characteristics suggested that the diets were the same (since they had the same type of tooth micro-wear characteristics)
(E) They lacked the micro-wear characteristics distinctive of modern frugivores.
Out of scope; we’re not sure if it’s “modern” frugivores (it just says “east African a. specimens”) AND the “distinctive” portion is just flat out wrong – the tooth micro-wear characteristics of east a. specimens were indistinguishable of other frugivorous primates (frugivores).

3. The passage suggests that which of the following would be true of studies of tooth micro-wear patterns conducted on modern baboons?
“…insect eating, which can cause distinct micro-wear patterns, would not cause much tooth abrasion in modern baboons, who eat only soft-bodied insects rather than hard-bodied insects”
(A) They would inaccurately suggest that some baboons eat more soft-bodied than hard-bodied insects.
Reverse trap – Not necessarily. More specifically, it would show that there would be a diet that consisted of ONLY soft-bodied insects
(B) They would suggest that insects constitute the largest part of some baboons’ diets.
Out of scope – we just know that it would show ONLY soft-bodied rather than hard-bodied. What if they ate other stuff more (but still only ate soft-bodied)?
(C) They would reveal that there are no significant differences in tooth micro-wear patterns among baboon populations.
We know for sure that omnivorous primates have varying diets depending on the environment. If baboons were omnivorous then they would have varying diets and thus varying tooth micro-wear patterns. But we don’t know if they are omnivorous. Moreover, even if they were, this would be the opposite. They would have differences (maybe significant is too strong here) in tooth micro-wear patterns among baboon populations (because they are omnivorous, thus having varying diets, and therefore have differences in tooth micro-wear patterns).
(D) They would inadequately reflect the extent to which some baboons consume certain types of insects.
Bingo. Modern baboons eat ONLY soft-bodied insects (which don’t cause much tooth abrasion). Thus, if there is no distinctive feature to what they eat, then you would have no idea what they eat. If they hard-bodied though, it would be a different story.
(E) They would indicate that baboons in certain regions eat only soft-bodied insects, whereas baboons in other regions eat hard-bodied insects.
Out of scope – the passage is making a broad claim about modern baboons. They eat ONLY soft-bodied insects rather than hard-bodied insects.

4. The passage suggests which of the following about the micro-wear patterns found on the teeth of omnivorous primates?
“…the diets of current omnivorous primates vary considerably depending on the environments that different groups within a primate species inhabit; if australopithecines were omnivores too, we might expect to find considerable population variation in their tooth micro-wear patterns.”
(A) The patterns provide information about what kinds of foods are not eaten by the particular species of primate, but not about the foods actually eaten.
Opposite, if anything. The patterns would show the different environments in which these a’s lived.
(B) The patterns of various primate species living in the same environment resemble one another.
Out of scope; it’s possible, but not required. We know for sure the DIETS will vary depending on the environment, leading to varying micro-wear patterns. But the patterns of various primate species living in the SAME environment doesn’t necessarily have to resemble one another.
(C) The patterns may not provide information about the extent to which a particular species’ diet includes seeds.
Out of scope/story trap – this is way too granular and not supported. It could be seeds but it doesn’t have to. The patterns would show the similar types of diets that may exist within specific groups of primates that live within the same environment.
(D) The patterns provide more information about these primates’ diet than do the tooth micro-wear patterns of primates who are frugivores.
Out of scope trap – we can’t declaratively say this. It’s possible, but not definitively true. All we know for sure if that these primate’s diets vary depending on its environment. It may have these frugivores but not necessarily.
(E) The patterns may differ among groups within a species depending on the environment within which a particular group lives.
Bingo – we know the “diets…vary…depending on the environments that different groups within a primate species inhabit” Thus, this would lead to varying micro-wear patterns for different groups, depending on their environment.

5. It can be inferred from the passage that if studies of tooth micro-wear patterns were conducted on modern baboons, which of the following would most likely be true of the results obtained?
(A) There would be enough abrasion to allow a determination of whether baboons are frugivorous or insectivorous.
Opposite answer – “…insect eating, which can cause distinct micro-wear patterns, would not cause much tooth abrasion in modern baboons, who eat only soft-bodied insects rather than hard-bodied insects.”
(B) The results would suggest that insects constitute the largest part of the baboons’ diet.
Too strong answer – we know that the micro-wear patterns wouldn’t be as present (definitely for the ones who eat soft-bodied insects). But that doesn’t mean the largest part of the
(C) The results would reveal that there are no significant differences in tooth micro-wear patterns from one regional baboon population to another.
Out of scope answer – there is no comparison made between one regional baboon population and another.
(D) The results would provide an accurate indication of the absence of some kinds of insects from the baboons’ diet.
Bingo – it would show that the lack of tooth abrasion = not eating hard-bodied insects (a kind of insect) because the passage flat out says “insect eating, which can cause distinct micro-wear patterns”
(E) The results would be unlikely to provide any indication of what inferences about the australopithecine diet can or cannot be drawn from micro-wear studies.
Opposite answer – it would likely provide an indication; the lack of tooth abrasion would suggest that the diet would not have consisted of hard-bodied insects

6. It can be inferred from the passage that Walker’s conclusion about the australopithecine diet would be called into question under which of the following circumstances?
(A) The tooth enamel of australopithecines is found to be much heavier than that of modern frugivorous primates.
Neutral answer trap; although W disputes S’s suggestion of the heavy enamel being an adaptation to bone crunching, but the comparison within this answer is completely irrelevant. We have no idea what it means if its heavier or not than that of modern frugivorous primates.
(B) The micro-wear patterns of australopithecine teeth from regions other than east Africa are analyzed.
Neutral answer; and what was found from this analysis? Does it show that it is aligned with W? Or does it show that the findings are different?
(C) Orangutans are found to have a much broader diet than is currently recognized.
Bingo; W makes his claim that “tooth micro-wear characteristics of a. specimens are indistinguishable from those of…orangutans” And these orangutans are commonly assumed to be frugivorous primates. Thus, if they actually have a BROADER diet. This would undermine the quote above and even support the contrasted points (of W’s claim) at the bottom.
(D) The environment of east Africa at the time australopithecines lived there is found to have been far more varied than is currently thought.
Neutral answer; HOW was the environment varied? We don’t know anything about the diets. There would have to be some pretty big logical leaps/assumptions to connect the varying environment to the diets.
(E) The area in which the australopithecine specimens were found is discovered to have been very rich in soft-bodied insects during the period when australopithecines lived there.
This wouldn’t weaken the conclusion though. His conclusion is that some similar thing to a. specimens have the same micro-wear characteristics, so thus similar eating patterns (i.e., fruits) as that of the similar thing. The fact that some soft-bodied insects are found isn’t grounds to call into question the conclusion. The conclusion could still be true, regardless of this.

7. The author of the passage mentions the diets of baboons and other living primates most likely in order to
“…research on the diets of contemporary primates suggests that micro-wear studies may have limited utility…. For example, insect eating, which can cause distinct micro-wear patterns, would not cause much tooth abrasion in modern baboons, who eat only soft-bodied insects rather than hard-bodied insects”
(A) provide evidence that refutes Walker’s conclusions about the foods making up the diets of australopithecines
“refutes” is too strong; it means to disprove. The evidence/example that is provided only casts doubt and show the “micro-wear studies MAY have LIMITED utility in determining the foods that are actually eaten.”
(B) suggest that studies of tooth micro-wear patterns are primarily useful for determining the diets of living primates
Opposite; it shows that it’s not that useful since it doesn’t necessarily show it for these “contemporary primates” (AKA living primates)
(C) suggest that australopithecines were probably omnivores rather than frugivores
Similar wording to passage but irrelevant trap; this is for the next example that the passage gives. It does not pertain to the modern primates. This could actually be true, but it is not supported by the passage.
(D) illustrate some of the limitations of using tooth micro-wear patterns to draw definitive conclusions about a group’s diet
Bingo! “…research on the diets of contemporary primates suggests that micro-wear studies may have limited utility…. For example…” then gives the example.
(E) suggest that tooth micro-wear patterns are caused by persistent, as opposed to occasional, consumption of particular foods
Irrelevant/not supported; this is not supported at all! Nothing about frequency.


8. The passage is primarily concerned with
(A) comparing two research methods for determining a species' dietary habits
It’s two different research methods. It’s about the micro-wear pattern stuff not being the most defensible stance.
(B) describing and evaluating conjectures about a species' diet
Conjectures seem a bit too strong. Come back. But conjectures are opinions or conclusions that are drawn from incomplete information. The micro-wear pattern conjecture could be classified as conjecture, given the second paragraph (i.e., insects soft-bodied and diets varying depending on environment).
(C) contrasting several explanations for a species' dietary habits
One word off trap: “Contrasting” is the wrong word here. They’re not “contrasting” anything here. The Walker person just flat out dismisses and disputes the other suggestions/hypotheses. There isn’t a contrast made between each explanation.
(D) discussing a new approach and advocating its use in particular situations
How do we know the micro wear patterns are new? This is not substantiated at all. Moreover, we’re not advocating the approach in particular situations. If anything, we’re saying that it shouldn’t necessarily be used because it doesn’t seem to be super precise.
(E) arguing that a particular research methodology does not contribute useful data
This seems super strong. We know from the first sentence of the paragraph it flat out says the “micro-wear patterns…may provide evidence about their diets.” Although the last paragraph casts some doubt, it doesn’t completely negate the above. This option is way too strong.
User avatar
Gauriii
User avatar
Joined: 03 May 2020
Last visit: 21 Feb 2021
Posts: 50
Own Kudos:
25
 [1]
Given Kudos: 69
Location: India
Concentration: Finance, Sustainability
Posts: 50
Kudos: 25
 [1]
Micro-wear patterns found on the teeth of long-extinct specimens o 09 Sep 2020, 22:31
1
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
GMATNinjaTwo - Dear Sir, Can you please explain wy the answer to below option is B and not E? I could not find this Q discussed above and hence am posting it-

8. The passage is primarily concerned with

(A) comparing two research methods for determining a species' dietary habits>>>>> there are not two research methods, hence wrong
(B) describing and evaluating conjectures about a species' diet????
(C) contrasting several explanations for a species' dietary habits>>>>no explanations as such, hence wrong
(D) discussing a new approach and advocating its use in particular situations>>>>>no new approach discussed, hence wrong
(E) arguing that a particular research methodology does not contribute useful data?????

IMO option E can also be right since in the last statement the Author is saying that the data set needs to be more elaborative... hence implying that this particular research in the passage is not contributing useful data. Hence E.

Thanks in advance.
avatar
TANYADILBAGHI1509
avatar
Joined: 08 Aug 2019
Last visit: 16 Apr 2021
Posts: 1
Given Kudos: 150
GMAT 1: 610 Q46 V29
GMAT 1: 610 Q46 V29
Posts: 1
Kudos: 0
Micro-wear patterns found on the teeth of long-extinct specimens o 30 Sep 2020, 19:20
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Hi GMATNinja
I am having a hard time answering the question pertaining to the main point or the primary concern of the author (Q8)

8. The passage is primarily concerned with

(A) comparing two research methods for determining a species' dietary habits
(B) describing and evaluating conjectures about a species' diet
(C) contrasting several explanations for a species' dietary habits
(D) discussing a new approach and advocating its use in particular situations
(E) arguing that a particular research methodology does not contribute useful data

I selected option C and I am not able to see why Bis the correct choice. If you could help me clear my doubts between B and C , that would be great.

Thanks in advance :)
User avatar
petrichor
User avatar
Current Student
Joined: 13 Nov 2016
Last visit: 04 Jun 2023
Posts: 86
Own Kudos:
40
 [1]
Given Kudos: 76
Location: United States
Schools: McCombs '24 (A) IIM-A '24 (A)
GMAT 1: 610 Q45 V29
GMAT 2: 680 Q47 V35
GPA: 3.6
Schools: McCombs '24 (A) IIM-A '24 (A)
GMAT 2: 680 Q47 V35
Posts: 86
Kudos: 40
 [1]
Micro-wear patterns found on the teeth of long-extinct specimens o 01 Oct 2020, 18:33
1
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
GMATNinja

Quote:
6. It can be inferred from the passage that Walker’s conclusion about the australopithecine diet would be called into question under which of the following circumstances?

(A) The tooth enamel of australopithecines is found to be much heavier than that of modern frugivorous primates.
(B) The micro-wear patterns of australopithecine teeth from regions other than east Africa are analyzed.
(C) Orangutans are found to have a much broader diet than is currently recognized.
(D) The environment of east Africa at the time australopithecines lived there is found to have been far more varied than is currently thought.
(E) The area in which the australopithecine specimens were found is discovered to have been very rich in soft-bodied insects during the period when australopithecines lived there.
First, let's discuss option (C). The passage specifically tells us that "[Walker's] conclusion that australopithecines were frugivores (fruit eaters) is based upon his observation that the tooth micro-wear characteristics of east African australopithecine specimens are indistinguishable from those of chimpanzees and orangutans, which are commonly assumed to be frugivorous primates."

Phew, that's a mouthful, but it breaks down Walker's logic:

  • East African australopithecine teeth have the same micro-wear patterns as chimp/orangutan teeth.
  • Chimps/orangutans are fruit eaters.
  • Therefore, australopithecines were also fruit eaters.

Choice (C) directly contradicts the second bullet. If orangutans ate much more than just fruit, then Walker's logic completely falls apart--the fact that australopithecine and orangutan teeth have similar patterns would NOT suggest that the australopithecines were fruit eaters. That makes (C) a solid answer.

Choice (E), on the other hand, while tempting, does not affect Walker's logic. Sure, there may have been a ton of soft-bodied insects around. There may have also been an abundance of seeds, wheat, small rodents, pizza trees (if only that were a real thing!), sushi bushes, etc., but that doesn't mean that the australopithecines actually ATE those things. Sure, if soft-bodied insects were NOT around, we would have solid evidence that the australopithecines did NOT eat them. However, the presence of soft-bodied insects, without any other evidence, does not call Walker's conclusion into question.

I hope that helps!
Show more

Bang on! Beautiful explanation for answer choice (E), I got this question alone wrong and was looking for the flaw in my logic. 'Coexisted' doesn't mean 'correlated'!

Thank you GMATNinja !
User avatar
Tanchat
User avatar
Joined: 31 Jan 2020
Last visit: 20 Jun 2023
Posts: 222
Own Kudos:
20
Given Kudos: 139
Posts: 222
Kudos: 20
Micro-wear patterns found on the teeth of long-extinct specimens o 24 Dec 2020, 04:30
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
I have a question on Q3.
studies of tooth micro-wear patterns conducted on modern baboons.

we know that baboons' diet is soft-bodied insects. But the patterns of tooth micro-wear cannot define baboon eats soft-bodied insects or not. So, why (A) wrong?

Thank you
   1   2   3   4   
Moderators:
GMATNinja
GMAT Club Verbal Expert
7443 posts
GMATNinjaTwo
GMAT Club Verbal Expert
231 posts
Sajjad1994
GRE Forum Moderator
17304 posts
miag
189 posts