NEW HERE? LEARN MORE
closeclose
Last visit was: 25 Apr 2024, 16:38 It is currently 25 Apr 2024, 16:38
Decision Tracker
My Rewards
New posts
New comers' posts

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

Carotenoids, a family of natural pigments, form an important part of

SORT BY:
Date
Kudos
 1   2   3   
Tags:
Difficulty: 505-555 Levelx   Sciencex   Short Passagex                  
Find Similar Topics 
Show Tags
Hide Tags
User avatar
L
Sajjad1994
GRE Forum Moderator
Joined: 02 Nov 2016
Posts: 13961
Own Kudos [?]: 32917 [110]
Given Kudos: 5778
GPA: 3.62
Send PM
CAT Tests Forum Quiz Mode
Carotenoids, a family of natural pigments, form an important part of [#permalink] New post   Updated on: 21 Aug 2019, 06:03
22
Kudos
88
Bookmarks
Expert Reply
Question 1
00:00
A
B
C
D
E

Difficulty:

15% (low)

based on 6393 sessions

74% (02:37) correct 26% (02:47) wrong
Hide Show timer Statistics
Question 2
00:00
A
B
C
D
E

Difficulty:

35% (medium)

based on 6331 sessions

62% (01:02) correct 38% (01:15) wrong
Hide Show timer Statistics
Question 3
00:00
A
B
C
D
E

Difficulty:

25% (medium)

based on 6246 sessions

66% (00:51) correct 34% (01:00) wrong
Hide Show timer Statistics
Question 4
00:00
A
B
C
D
E

Difficulty:

15% (low)

based on 6078 sessions

72% (01:01) correct 28% (01:19) wrong
Hide Show timer Statistics
Question 5
00:00
A
B
C
D
E

Difficulty:

15% (low)

based on 5942 sessions

73% (01:04) correct 27% (01:24) wrong
Hide Show timer Statistics
GMAT® Official Guide 2019

Practice Question
Question No.:
Online test bank question number : RC00423-01 ~ RC00423-04

Carotenoids, a family of natural pigments, form an important part of the colorful signals used by many animals. Animals acquire carotenoids either directly (from the plants and algae that produce them) or indirectly (by eating insects) and store them in a variety of tissues. Studies of several animal species have shown that when choosing mates, females prefer males with brighter carotenoid-based coloration. Owens and Olson hypothesize that the presence of carotenoids, as signaled by coloration, would be meaningful in the context of mate selection if carotenoids were either rare or required for health. The conventional view is that carotenoids are meaningful because they are rare: healthier males can forage for more of the pigments than can their inferior counterparts. Although this may be true, there is growing evidence that carotenoids are meaningful also because they are required: they are used by the immune system and for detoxification processes that are important for maintaining health. It may be that males can use scarce carotenoids either for immune defense and detoxification or for attracting females. Males that are more susceptible to disease and parasites will have to use their carotenoids to boost their immune systems, whereas males that are genetically resistant will use fewer carotenoids for fighting disease and will advertise this by using the pigments for flashy display instead.

Show Spoiler
D

RC00423-01
1. According to the “conventional view” referred to in line 13 of the passage, brighter carotenoid-based coloration in certain species suggests that an individual

(A) lives in a habitat rich in carotenoid-bearing plants and insects
(B) has efficient detoxification processes
(C) has a superior immune system
(D) possesses superior foraging capacity
(E) is currently capable of reproducing


Show Spoiler
C

RC00423-02
2. The idea that carotenoid-based coloration is significant partly because carotenoids are required for health suggests that a lack of bright coloration in a male is most likely to indicate which of the following?

(A) Inefficient detoxification processes
(B) Immunity to parasite infestation
(C) Low genetic resistance to disease
(D) Lack of interest in mating
(E) Lack of carotenoid-storing tissues


Show Spoiler
E

RC00423-03
3. The passage suggests that relatively bright carotenoid-based coloration is a signal of which of the following characteristics in males of certain animal species?

(A) Readiness for mating behavior
(B) Ability to fight
(C) Particular feeding preferences
(D) Recovery from parasite infestation
(E) Fitness as a mate


Show Spoiler
A

RC00423-04
4. The passage implies which of the following about the insects from which animals acquire carotenoids?

(A) They do not produce carotenoids themselves.
(B) They use carotenoids primarily for coloration.
(C) They maintain constant levels of carotenoids in their tissues.
(D) They are unable to use carotenoids to boost their immune system.
(E) They are available in greater abundance than are carotenoid-bearing plants.


Show Spoiler
C

RC00423-05
5. Information in the passage suggests that which of the following is true of carotenoids that a male animal uses for detoxification processes?

(A) They were not acquired directly from plants and algae.
(B) They cannot be replenished through foraging.
(C) They cannot be used simultaneously to brighten coloration.
(D) They do not affect the animal's susceptibility to parasites.
(E) They increase the chances that the animal will be selected as a mate.



Show Spoiler
ISSUE 2223 | MAGAZINE COVER DATE: 29 January 2000

https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg16522234-300-shes-gotta-have-it/
ShowHide Answer Question #1
Official Answer
D
ShowHide Answer Question #2
Official Answer
C
ShowHide Answer Question #3
Official Answer
E
ShowHide Answer Question #4
Official Answer
A
ShowHide Answer Question #5
Official Answer
C

Originally posted by Sajjad1994 on 26 Jun 2018, 22:05.
Last edited by Sajjad1994 on 21 Aug 2019, 06:03, edited 1 time in total.
Updated - Complete topic (251).
Most Helpful Reply
User avatar
L
GMATNinja
GMAT Club Verbal Expert
Joined: 13 Aug 2009
Status: GMAT/GRE/LSAT tutors
Posts: 6921
Own Kudos [?]: 63669 [19]
Given Kudos: 1774
Location: United States (CO)
GMAT 1: 780 Q51 V46
GMAT 2: 800 Q51 V51
GRE 1: Q170 V170

GRE 2: Q170 V170
Send PM
Carotenoids, a family of natural pigments, form an important part of [#permalink] New post   12 Feb 2019, 14:23
14
Kudos
5
Bookmarks
Expert Reply

Question 2


csaluja wrote:
Hi GMATNinja,

I was wondering could you please explain why option A is incorrect for Q2? The passage states that carotenoids are used "by the immune system for detoxification processes". It is also given that "males can use scarce carotenoids either for immune defense and detoxification or for attracting females". Based on this, can't we infer that a lack of bright coloration means that the carotenoids were used by the immune system or rather the detoxification was inefficient? I understand why option C is correct because we are strictly told about this option in the last line of our paragraph; however, I am unable to see the true reasoning behind why option A is incorrect.

If you could please share your thoughts behind it, I would immensely appreciate it!

Question 2 asks us which answer choice is most likely indicated by "a lack of bright coloration in a male" based on the idea that carotenoids are required for health.

The key to eliminating (A) is in the exact wording of the answer choice:
Quote:
(A) Inefficient detoxification processes

You are right that the passage mentions using carotenoids for detoxification processes, but what does it say about the efficiency of these processes? To answer this, look at the evidence stated in the passage:
Quote:
Males that are more susceptible to disease and parasites will have to use their carotenoids to boost their immune systems, whereas males that are genetically resistant will use fewer carotenoids for fighting disease and will advertise this by using the pigments for flashy display instead.

This evidence tells us that some males have to use more carotenoids to boost their immune systems because they are more susceptible to disease and parasites. In other words, some males have to expend their carotenoids on immunity and detoxification because they are more likely to acquire a disease/parasite than other males.

What this does not tell us is how efficient the detoxification processes for either type of male is after they already acquired a disease/parasite. The drab males could have detoxification processes just as efficient as their flashy counterparts, but still use more carotenoids to boost their immunity because they are more susceptible to disease/parasites in the first place.

Because of the above reasoning, we cannot conclude that "a lack of bright coloration in a male is most likely to indicate" that those males have "inefficient detoxification processes." (A) is not the answer to question 2.

As you point out, the evidence in support of (C) is clear: the passage states that "males that are genetically resistant will use fewer carotenoids for fighting disease and will advertise this by using the pigments for flashy display instead." So, we can easily infer that a lack of bright coloration indicates "low genetic resistance to disease." (C) is the correct answer.
avatar
G
Valhalla
Intern
Intern
Joined: 26 Apr 2017
Posts: 42
Own Kudos [?]: 139 [14]
Given Kudos: 71
Send PM
Re: Carotenoids, a family of natural pigments, form an important part of [#permalink] New post   27 Jun 2018, 01:34
14
Kudos
Thanks for the upload.

Please comment on explanations, as I managed only to complete reading comprehension in 11:11.
Passage Analysis:
Tone: Explains / Descriptive
Organization:
Describe carotenoids usage in animals - 2 schools of thoughts [go the same way].

1. Inference:
The conventional view is that carotenoids are meaningful because they are rare: healthier males can forage for more of the pigments than can their inferior counterparts.
ANS: D possesses superior foraging capacity : healthier males can forage for more of the pigments than can their inferior counterparts.

2. Inference:
Although this may be true, there is growing evidence that carotenoids are meaningful also because they are required: they are used by the immune system and for detoxification processes that are important for maintaining health.
Males that are more susceptible to disease and parasites will have to use their carotenoids to boost their immune systems, whereas males that are genetically resistant will use fewer carotenoids for fighting disease and will advertise this by using the pigments for flashy display instead.
ANS: C Low genetic resistance to disease : males that are genetically resistant will use fewer carotenoids for fighting disease and will advertise this by using the pigments for flashy display instead.

3. Inference
Studies of several animal species have shown that when choosing mates, females prefer males with brighter carotenoid-based coloration.
ANS: E Fitness as a mate : Studies of several animal species have shown that when choosing mates, females prefer males with brighter carotenoid-based coloration.

4. Inference
Animals acquire carotenoids either directly (from the plants and algae that produce them) or indirectly (by eating insects) and store them in a variety of tissues.
ANS: A They do not produce carotenoids themselves (obtain via POE + insect = animal, therefore if these animals / insects obtained carotenoids from plants / insects, therefore these animals / insects cannot themselves produce carotenoids) - Experts please help on Q4

5. Inference
It may be that males can use scarce carotenoids either for immune defense and detoxification or for attracting females.
ANS: C They cannot be used simultaneously to brighten coloration : Because of the word OR

Kudos and constructive comments are appreciated. Thanks
User avatar
L
GMATNinja
GMAT Club Verbal Expert
Joined: 13 Aug 2009
Status: GMAT/GRE/LSAT tutors
Posts: 6921
Own Kudos [?]: 63669 [4]
Given Kudos: 1774
Location: United States (CO)
GMAT 1: 780 Q51 V46
GMAT 2: 800 Q51 V51
GRE 1: Q170 V170

GRE 2: Q170 V170
Send PM
Carotenoids, a family of natural pigments, form an important part of [#permalink] New post   08 Nov 2021, 13:11
4
Kudos
Expert Reply

Passage breakdown



In passages that are one, long paragraph, it can be helpful to split the passage up. In this explanation, the passage will be split into three sections:

  • Section 1: from the start to “...if carotenoids were either rare or required for health.”
  • Section 2: from “The conventional view is that…” to “...their inferior counterparts”
  • Section 3: from “Although this may be true…” to the end of the passage.

In the first section, the author introduces an animal behavior and provides two potential reasons for that behavior.

  • The behavior: "females prefer males with brighter carotenoid-based coloration."
  • Two potential reasons for this behavior: carotenoids are either rare or required.

In the second section, the author outlines the conventional view.

  • This view holds that carotenoids are meaningful because they are rare.

In the third section, the author argues that, while the conventional view may be true, the other potential explanation is ALSO true.

  • The author states that "there is growing evidence that carotenoids are meaningful also because they are required."
  • He/she then provides details to support this claim.

For more on the process of breaking down RC passages, check out this article and our live RC videos.


Explanations for individual questions


General Discussion
User avatar
G
Masterscorp
Manager
Manager
Joined: 14 Oct 2017
Posts: 192
Own Kudos [?]: 271 [2]
Given Kudos: 385
GMAT 1: 710 Q44 V41
Send PM
Re: Carotenoids, a family of natural pigments, form an important part of [#permalink] New post   27 Jun 2018, 01:08
2
Kudos
Question 5 is the hardest one imo:

RC00423-05
5. Information in the passage suggests that which of the following is true of carotenoids that a male animal uses for detoxification processes?

(A) They were not acquired directly from plants and algae. carotenoids can be acquired from plants or insects and we don't have any info about whether there are different uses of the carotenoids from both sources
(B) They cannot be replenished through foraging. If animals use the sources mentioned above they can replenish carotenoids
(C) They cannot be used simultaneously to brighten coloration. This is mentioned in the passage. "It may be that males can use scarce carotenoids either for immune defense and detoxification or for attracting females". Yes, it says maybe, but it is the best out of all answers.
(D) They do not affect the animal's susceptibility to parasites. Carotenoids can be used to bolster the immune system, hence this answer is incorrect
(E) They increase the chances that the animal will be selected as a mate. It actually weakens the chances because carotenoids used for detoxification can't be used to increase brightness, leadiing to a higher chance of mating
User avatar
L
NandishSS
Director
Director
Joined: 06 Jan 2015
Posts: 738
Own Kudos [?]: 1586 [1]
Given Kudos: 579
Location: India
Concentration: Operations, Finance
GPA: 3.35
WE:Information Technology (Computer Software)
Send PM
Re: Carotenoids, a family of natural pigments, form an important part of [#permalink] New post   01 Aug 2018, 20:04
1
Kudos
HI GMATNinja , mikemcgarry , egmat , sayantanc2k, RonPurewal , DmitryFarber , MagooshExpert (Carolyn), ccooley , GMATNinjaTwo , SarahPurewal , EMPOWERgmatVerbal

Here is the relavent part but how to infer?

Animals acquire carotenoids either directly (from the plants and algae that produce them) or indirectly (by eating insects) and store them in a variety of tissues.

4. The passage implies which of the following about the insects from which animals acquire carotenoids?

(A) They do not produce carotenoids themselves.
(B) They use carotenoids primarily for coloration.
(C) They maintain constant levels of carotenoids in their tissues.
(D) They are unable to use carotenoids to boost their immune system.
(E) They are available in greater abundance than are carotenoid-bearing plants.
avatar
G
Gagoosh
Manager
Manager
Joined: 23 Nov 2017
Posts: 106
Own Kudos [?]: 110 [13]
Given Kudos: 132
Location: Singapore
Concentration: Strategy, Other
Schools: NTU '20 (M) ESSEC '21 (A$)
Send PM
Re: Carotenoids, a family of natural pigments, form an important part of [#permalink] New post   01 Aug 2018, 20:19
11
Kudos
2
Bookmarks
NandishSS wrote:
HI GMATNinja , mikemcgarry , egmat , sayantanc2k, RonPurewal , DmitryFarber , MagooshExpert (Carolyn), ccooley , GMATNinjaTwo , SarahPurewal , EMPOWERgmatVerbal

Here is the relavent part but how to infer?

Animals acquire carotenoids either directly (from the plants and algae that produce them) or indirectly (by eating insects) and store them in a variety of tissues.

4. The passage implies which of the following about the insects from which animals acquire carotenoids?

(A) They do not produce carotenoids themselves.
(B) They use carotenoids primarily for coloration.
(C) They maintain constant levels of carotenoids in their tissues.
(D) They are unable to use carotenoids to boost their immune system.
(E) They are available in greater abundance than are carotenoid-bearing plants.



I was thinking the same thing, but took clue from the information from within the brackets. Acquire directly (....that produce them) or indirectly (..eating insects). Infered that plants can produce them (animal consuming the plants that DIRECTLY produce carotenoids) and insects cannot produce carotenoids (animals acquiring carotenoids from insects, which in turn might be eating those plants, hence INDIRECTLY).

Await expert's view though.
avatar
S
teaserbae
Manager
Manager
Joined: 24 Mar 2018
Posts: 198
Own Kudos [?]: 41 [0]
Given Kudos: 288
Location: India
Schools: Carlson Foster '24 Haas '24 Kelley '24 Kellogg '24
GMAT 1: 680 Q50 V31
Send PM
Re: Carotenoids, a family of natural pigments, form an important part of [#permalink] New post   01 Aug 2018, 22:22
GMATninja2 workout broall Gnpth
Can you please explain in q4 how it is inferred ?
User avatar
L
gmat1393
Retired Moderator
Joined: 25 Apr 2018
Posts: 654
Own Kudos [?]: 2222 [2]
Given Kudos: 199
GMAT 1: 680 Q49 V34
Send PM
Reviews Badge
Re: Carotenoids, a family of natural pigments, form an important part of [#permalink] New post   01 Aug 2018, 22:38
2
Kudos
NandishSS wrote:
HI GMATNinja , mikemcgarry , egmat , sayantanc2k, RonPurewal , DmitryFarber , MagooshExpert (Carolyn), ccooley , GMATNinjaTwo , SarahPurewal , EMPOWERgmatVerbal

Here is the relavent part but how to infer?

Animals acquire carotenoids either directly (from the plants and algae that produce them) or indirectly (by eating insects) and store them in a variety of tissues.

4. The passage implies which of the following about the insects from which animals acquire carotenoids?

(A) They do not produce carotenoids themselves.
(B) They use carotenoids primarily for coloration.
(C) They maintain constant levels of carotenoids in their tissues.
(D) They are unable to use carotenoids to boost their immune system.
(E) They are available in greater abundance than are carotenoid-bearing plants.


Hi NandishSS

Though not an expert, I selected A as the answer based on the below

Quote:
Animals acquire carotenoids either directly (from the plants and algae that produce them) or indirectly (by eating insects) and store them in a variety of tissues.


This may mean that insects acquire the cartenoids by feeding on plants or algae that produce them.So, insects do not produce themselves.

IMO Option A is the best which captures this.

HTH!
User avatar
L
Nikhil
MBA Section Director
Joined: 22 May 2017
Affiliations: GMATClub
Posts: 12745
Own Kudos [?]: 8832 [5]
Given Kudos: 3034
GRE 1: Q168 V154
GPA: 3.4
WE:Engineering (Education)
Send PM
GMAT ToolKit User Reviews Badge
Re: Carotenoids, a family of natural pigments, form an important part of [#permalink] New post   01 Aug 2018, 22:52
5
Kudos
Expert Reply
teaserbae wrote:
GMATninja2 workout broall Gnpth
Can you please explain in q4 how it is inferred ?


teaserbae

The answer lies in the following lines

"Animals acquire carotenoids either directly (from the plants and algae that produce them) or indirectly (by eating insects) and store them in a variety of tissues. "

Now what can we infer about the insects ?

Animals either acquire carotenoids from plant or by eating insects. These insects which come under the classification of animals again must have acquired carotenoids through plants or by eating some other insects. Hence these insects didnot produce the carotenoids themselves and that is what option A states.
User avatar
L
Nikhil
MBA Section Director
Joined: 22 May 2017
Affiliations: GMATClub
Posts: 12745
Own Kudos [?]: 8832 [1]
Given Kudos: 3034
GRE 1: Q168 V154
GPA: 3.4
WE:Engineering (Education)
Send PM
GMAT ToolKit User Reviews Badge
Re: Carotenoids, a family of natural pigments, form an important part of [#permalink] New post   14 Aug 2018, 08:56
1
Kudos
Expert Reply
avvbh wrote:
Can someone pls explain how option "E" is correct for Question 3


avvbh

"Studies of several animal species have shown that when choosing mates, females prefer males with brighter carotenoid-based coloration"

"Males that are genetically resistant will use fewer carotenoids for fighting disease and will advertise this by using the pigments for flashy display instead."

From the above 2 lines in the paragraph, inferring option E is not difficult.
User avatar
L
aragonn
Retired Moderator
Joined: 23 Sep 2015
Posts: 1267
Own Kudos [?]: 5650 [2]
Given Kudos: 416
Send PM
GMAT ToolKit User Reviews Badge
Re: Carotenoids, a family of natural pigments, form an important part of [#permalink] New post   15 Oct 2018, 19:39
1
Kudos
1
Bookmarks
Main point - presence of C, reason for that, usefulness.

RC00423-01
resistant
1. According to the “conventional view” referred to in line 13 of the passage, brighter carotenoid-based coloration in certain species suggests that an individual

The conventional view is that carotenoids are meaningful because they are rare: healthier males can forage for more of the pigments than can their inferior counterparts

(D) possesses superior foraging capacity -

----------------------------------

RC00423-02
2. The idea that carotenoid-based coloration is significant partly because carotenoids are required for health suggests that a lack of bright coloration in a male is most likely to indicate which of the following?

they are used by the immune system and for detoxification processes that are important for maintaining health.

(A) Inefficient detoxification processes -
(C) Low genetic resistance to disease -

decider - males that are genetically resistant will use fewer carotenoids for fighting disease and will advertise this by using the pigments for flashy display instead.

C is better than A

-----------------------------------------------

RC00423-03
3. The passage suggests that relatively bright carotenoid-based coloration is a signal of which of the following characteristics in males of certain animal species?

healthier males can forage for more of the pigments than can their inferior counterparts

was confused in following choices.

(A) Readiness for mating behavior - urgency
(E) Fitness as a mate - better choice.

----------------------------------------------

RC00423-04
4. The passage implies which of the following about the insects from which animals acquire carotenoids?
or indirectly (by eating insects)
(A) They do not produce carotenoids themselves. - indirectly

---------------------------------------------------

RC00423-05
5. Information in the passage suggests that which of the following is true of carotenoids that a male animal uses for detoxification processes?

It may be that males can use scarce carotenoids either for immune defense and detoxification or for attracting females.

(C) They cannot be used simultaneously to brighten coloration.
User avatar
L
dave13
VP
VP
Joined: 09 Mar 2016
Posts: 1160
Own Kudos [?]: 1017 [2]
Given Kudos: 3851
Send PM
Re: Carotenoids, a family of natural pigments, form an important part of [#permalink] New post   16 Oct 2018, 07:29
2
Kudos
NandishSS wrote:
HI GMATNinja , mikemcgarry , egmat , sayantanc2k, RonPurewal , DmitryFarber , MagooshExpert (Carolyn), ccooley , GMATNinjaTwo , SarahPurewal , EMPOWERgmatVerbal

Here is the relavent part but how to infer?

Animals acquire carotenoids either directly (from the plants and algae that produce them) or indirectly (by eating insects) and store them in a variety of tissues.

4. The passage implies which of the following about the insects from which animals acquire carotenoids?

(A) They do not produce carotenoids themselves.
(B) They use carotenoids primarily for coloration.
(C) They maintain constant levels of carotenoids in their tissues.
(D) They are unable to use carotenoids to boost their immune system.
(E) They are available in greater abundance than are carotenoid-bearing plants.


Hi NandishSS aplogies for my late reply :) :grin:

the answer to your question lies in the sentence below.

Animals acquire carotenoids either directly (from the plants and algae that produce them) or indirectly (by eating insects) and store them in a variety of tissues.


notice that animals get carotenoids DIRECTLY from plants ( from here you can infer that plants are carriers of carotenoids . i.e . plants produce carotenoids themselves ) OR Animals can get carotenoids INDIRECTLY from insects (from this part of sentence you can infer that insects ARE NOT CARRIERS of carotenoids. i.e. insects dont produce carotenoids themselves)

hence, (A) is correct answer :)
User avatar
P
JS1290
Manager
Manager
Joined: 27 Dec 2016
Posts: 241
Own Kudos [?]: 238 [0]
Given Kudos: 1103
Send PM
Re: Carotenoids, a family of natural pigments, form an important part of [#permalink] New post   02 Feb 2019, 19:01
Hi GMATNinja,

I was wondering could you please explain why option A is incorrect for Q2? The passage states that carotenoids are used "by the immune system for detoxification processes". It is also given that "males can use scarce carotenoids either for immune defense and detoxification or for attracting females". Based on this, can't we infer that a lack of bright coloration means that the carotenoids were used by the immune system or rather the detoxification was inefficient? I understand why option C is correct because we are strictly told about this option in the last line of our paragraph; however, I am unable to see the true reasoning behind why option A is incorrect.

If you could please share your thoughts behind it, I would immensely appreciate it!
avatar
B
aha
Intern
Intern
Joined: 02 Oct 2018
Posts: 2
Own Kudos [?]: 6 [1]
Given Kudos: 66
Send PM
GMAT ToolKit User
Re: Carotenoids, a family of natural pigments, form an important part of [#permalink] New post   02 Mar 2019, 07:54
1
Kudos
I understand that C is the best answer for Q.4 as mentioned in line 21-23, "It may be that males can use scarce carotenoids either for immune defense and detoxification or for attracting females."

But I still curious about it.

Line 26-28, "...males that are genetically resistant will use fewer carotenoids for fighting disease and will advertise this by using the pigments for flashy display instead."

This sentence clearly implied that the carotenoids can be used for fighting disease (detoxification) and attracting females simultaneously.
Or maybe it's about my mistaken interpretation.

Any expert, please help clarify my doubts.
Thank you in advance.
User avatar
L
GMATNinja
GMAT Club Verbal Expert
Joined: 13 Aug 2009
Status: GMAT/GRE/LSAT tutors
Posts: 6921
Own Kudos [?]: 63669 [2]
Given Kudos: 1774
Location: United States (CO)
GMAT 1: 780 Q51 V46
GMAT 2: 800 Q51 V51
GRE 1: Q170 V170

GRE 2: Q170 V170
Send PM
Re: Carotenoids, a family of natural pigments, form an important part of [#permalink] New post   13 Mar 2019, 06:02
2
Kudos
Expert Reply
aha wrote:
I understand that C is the best answer for Q.4 as mentioned in line 21-23, "It may be that males can use scarce carotenoids either for immune defense and detoxification or for attracting females."

But I still curious about it.

Line 26-28, "...males that are genetically resistant will use fewer carotenoids for fighting disease and will advertise this by using the pigments for flashy display instead."

This sentence clearly implied that the carotenoids can be used for fighting disease (detoxification) and attracting females simultaneously.
Or maybe it's about my mistaken interpretation.

Any expert, please help clarify my doubts.
Thank you in advance.

The OA for question 4 is (A).

Did you mean to ask about question 2? If so, please check out this post and let us know if you have any further questions.

I hope that helps!
avatar
B
aha
Intern
Intern
Joined: 02 Oct 2018
Posts: 2
Own Kudos [?]: 6 [0]
Given Kudos: 66
Send PM
GMAT ToolKit User
Re: Carotenoids, a family of natural pigments, form an important part of [#permalink] New post   13 Mar 2019, 10:26
GMATNinja wrote:
aha wrote:
I understand that C is the best answer for Q.4 as mentioned in line 21-23, "It may be that males can use scarce carotenoids either for immune defense and detoxification or for attracting females."

But I still curious about it.

Line 26-28, "...males that are genetically resistant will use fewer carotenoids for fighting disease and will advertise this by using the pigments for flashy display instead."

This sentence clearly implied that the carotenoids can be used for fighting disease (detoxification) and attracting females simultaneously.
Or maybe it's about my mistaken interpretation.

Any expert, please help clarify my doubts.
Thank you in advance.

The OA for question 4 is (A).

Did you mean to ask about question 2? If so, please check out this post and let us know if you have any further questions.

I hope that helps!


My bad. I was asking about Q.5, not 4.
Anyway, I followed your attached link and read your post. It seems like that unlike the healthy males, weak males cannot use carotenoids for two purposes at the same time.
Am I right?

Posted from my mobile device
User avatar
L
GMATNinja
GMAT Club Verbal Expert
Joined: 13 Aug 2009
Status: GMAT/GRE/LSAT tutors
Posts: 6921
Own Kudos [?]: 63669 [3]
Given Kudos: 1774
Location: United States (CO)
GMAT 1: 780 Q51 V46
GMAT 2: 800 Q51 V51
GRE 1: Q170 V170

GRE 2: Q170 V170
Send PM
Re: Carotenoids, a family of natural pigments, form an important part of [#permalink] New post   02 Apr 2019, 02:35
2
Kudos
1
Bookmarks
Expert Reply
aha wrote:
GMATNinja wrote:
aha wrote:
I understand that C is the best answer for Q.4 as mentioned in line 21-23, "It may be that males can use scarce carotenoids either for immune defense and detoxification or for attracting females."

But I still curious about it.

Line 26-28, "...males that are genetically resistant will use fewer carotenoids for fighting disease and will advertise this by using the pigments for flashy display instead."

This sentence clearly implied that the carotenoids can be used for fighting disease (detoxification) and attracting females simultaneously.
Or maybe it's about my mistaken interpretation.

Any expert, please help clarify my doubts.
Thank you in advance.

The OA for question 4 is (A).

Did you mean to ask about question 2? If so, please check out this post and let us know if you have any further questions.

I hope that helps!


My bad. I was asking about Q.5, not 4.
Anyway, I followed your attached link and read your post. It seems like that unlike the healthy males, weak males cannot use carotenoids for two purposes at the same time.
Am I right?

Posted from my mobile device

Take another look at the exact wording of question #5:
Quote:
5. Information in the passage suggests that which of the following is true of carotenoids that a male animal uses for detoxification processes?

This question is asking specifically about "carotenoids that a male animal uses for detoxification processes." So, we know that the exact carotenoids in question have already been allocated for detoxification.

Out of all of the carotenoids that a given male bird can scrounge up, he will use some amount for his immune system/detoxification and some amount for coloration. A bird that is "more susceptible to disease and parasites" has to use his carotenoids to boost his immune system, while a more resistant bird will use "fewer carotenoids for fighting disease and will advertise this by using the pigments for flashy display instead."

In either case, if a carotenoid has already been used for detoxification processes, that exact carotenoid cannot also be used to brighten the bird's coloration. This is true for both healthy and unhealthy birds. So, carotenoids that a male animal uses for detoxification processes "cannot be used simultaneously to brighten coloration." (C) is the correct answer for question #5.

I hope that helps!
User avatar
G
zoezhuyan
Senior Manager
Senior Manager
Joined: 17 Sep 2016
Posts: 440
Own Kudos [?]: 84 [0]
Given Kudos: 147
Send PM
Re: Carotenoids, a family of natural pigments, form an important part of [#permalink] New post   09 Jul 2019, 00:12
Quote:
3. The passage suggests that relatively bright carotenoid-based coloration is a signal of which of the following characteristics in males of certain animal species?

(A) Readiness for mating behavior
(B) Ability to fight
(C) Particular feeding preferences
(D) Recovery from parasite infestation
(E) Fitness as a mate


Dear GMATNinja

I struggle between D and E, I chose D because the statement "
Quote:
whereas males that are genetically resistant will use fewer carotenoids for fighting disease
"
Does not it imply that recovered from carotenoids?


Please help.
User avatar
L
GMATNinja
GMAT Club Verbal Expert
Joined: 13 Aug 2009
Status: GMAT/GRE/LSAT tutors
Posts: 6921
Own Kudos [?]: 63669 [9]
Given Kudos: 1774
Location: United States (CO)
GMAT 1: 780 Q51 V46
GMAT 2: 800 Q51 V51
GRE 1: Q170 V170

GRE 2: Q170 V170
Send PM
Re: Carotenoids, a family of natural pigments, form an important part of [#permalink] New post   23 Jul 2019, 07:10
5
Kudos
4
Bookmarks
Expert Reply
zoezhuyan wrote:
Quote:
3. The passage suggests that relatively bright carotenoid-based coloration is a signal of which of the following characteristics in males of certain animal species?

(A) Readiness for mating behavior
(B) Ability to fight
(C) Particular feeding preferences
(D) Recovery from parasite infestation
(E) Fitness as a mate


Dear GMATNinja

I struggle between D and E, I chose D because the statement "
Quote:
whereas males that are genetically resistant will use fewer carotenoids for fighting disease
"
Does not it imply that recovered from carotenoids?


Please help.

Bright carotenoid-based coloration might indicate a strong immune system and, thus, an ability to recover well from a parasite infestation. But bright carotenoid-based coloration does NOT indicate that the animal IS recovering from parasite infestation. The coloration is a sign that the male is fit as a mate, not that the male is actively recovering from an illness or infection.

In other words, you cannot point to male with bright carotenoid-based coloration and say, "oh, that male must be recovering from a parasite infestation right now."

I hope that helps!
GMAT Club Bot
gmatclubot
Re: Carotenoids, a family of natural pigments, form an important part of [#permalink]
23 Jul 2019, 07:10
 1   2   3   
Moderators:
GMATNinja
GMAT Club Verbal Expert
6921 posts
GMATNinjaTwo
GMAT Club Verbal Expert
238 posts
Sajjad1994
GRE Forum Moderator
13961 posts

Powered by phpBB © phpBB Group | Emoji artwork provided by EmojiOne
Main navigation
GMAT Resources
Partners
MBA Resources
www.gmac.com|www.mba.com | | GMAT Club Rules | Terms and Conditions