The principle of selection solved the riddle as to how what was purpos

Question

The principle of selection solved the riddle as to how what was purposive could conceivably be brought about without the intervention of a directing power, the riddle which animate nature presents to our intelligence at every turn, and in face of which the mind of a Kant could find no way out, for he regarded a solution of it as not to be hoped for. For, even if we were to assume an evolutionary force that is continually transforming the most primitive and the simplest forms of life into ever higher forms, and the homogeneity of primitive times into the infinite variety of the present, we should still be unable to infer from this alone how each of the numberless forms adapted to particular conditions of life should have appeared precisely at the right moment in the history of the earth to which their adaptations were appropriate, and precisely at the proper place in which all the conditions of life to which they were adapted occurred: the humming-birds at the same time as the flowers; the trichina at the same time as the pig; the bark-coloured moth at the same time as the oak, and the wasp-like moth at the same time as the wasp which protects it. Without processes of selection we should be obliged to assume a "pre-established harmony" after the famous Leibnizian model, by means of which the clock of the evolution of organisms is so regulated as to strike in exact synchronism with that of the history of the earth!

All forms of life are strictly adapted to the conditions of their life, and can persist under these conditions alone. There must therefore be an intrinsic connection between the conditions and the structural adaptations of the organism, and, since the conditions of life cannot be determined by the animal itself, the adaptations must be called forth by the conditions. The selection theory teaches us how this is conceivable, since it enables us to understand that there is a continual production of what is non-purposive as well as of what is purposive, but the purposive alone survives, while the non-purposive perishes in the very act of arising. This is the old wisdom taught long ago by Empedocles.

All forms of life are strictly adapted to the conditions of their life, and can persist under these conditions alone. There must therefore be an intrinsic connection between the conditions and the structural adaptations of the organism, and, since the conditions of life cannot be determined by the animal itself, the adaptations must be called forth by the conditions. The selection theory teaches us how this is conceivable, since it enables us to understand that there is a continual production of what is non-purposive as well as of what is purposive, but the purposive alone survives, while the non-purposive perishes in the very act of arising. This is the old wisdom taught long ago by Empedocles.   1 
 1. It can be inferred that the author believes that the Leibnitzian model  (Highlighted)  is

A. ingenious and worthy of serious consideration
B. untenable by all rational people
C. an acceptable solution to Kants dilemma
D. unworthy of further consideration
E. an alternative that might still be valid

2 
 2. The authors primary purpose in this extract is to

A. suggest that a particular theory explains otherwise puzzling phenomena
B. describe the details of the selection theory for a lay audience
C. justify a particularly controversial model of the origins of life
D. persuade the reader that Empedocles was right
E. prove that selection is the only possible way of looking at evolutionary biology

3 
 3. The examples in lines 15 - 17  (Highlighted)  are intended to

A. reinforce the authors point that is difficult to explain adaptation
B. show that adaptations must take place only at specific times and in specific places
C. give specific illustration of organisms that are particularly well-adapted to their conditions
D. show organisms that have evolved synchronously in a predestined manner
E. demonstrate that intelligent design is needed for purposive evolution

Adapted from an essay by A Weismann (1889)

Source:   Www.MajorTests.Com  
Difficulty Level:   700

Sajjad1994 · Accepted Answer

Official Explanation

1. It can be inferred that the author believes that the Leibnitzian model (Highlighted) is

Explanation

The exclamation mark at the end of the sentence shows that the author thinks acceptance of the idea would be silly. The choice is then between  B and D . The word all in  B  is the best reason for rejecting this answer.

Answer: D

2. The authors primary purpose in this extract is to

Explanation

The author intends to persuade us that selection theory is the answer to the riddle he mentions in the first sentence (suggesting immediately that  A is correct ). He does not actually go into details  (eliminate B) , or prove that anything is correct  (eliminate E) . The word particularly makes  C incorrect  and  D  is not even worth considering.

Answer: A

3. The examples in lines 15 - 17 (Highlighted) are intended to

Explanation

The author mentions specific examples to make his point clear that some forms of life have arisen with adaptations that fit them very well for one way of life. We can eliminate  D  and  E  because they refer to predestination and intelligent design, ideas that the wishes to counter.  A  is incorrect because he thinks selection theory explains adaptation. The words must and only in  B  make that wrong.  C is suitably general.

Answer: C

Hope it Helps

narayandutta · Answer

Can anyone share OE for ques 3 ?

Sajjad1994 · Answer

Q.#3  
 
Correct Answer: C

Explanation:

The author mentions specific examples to make his point clear that some forms of life have arisen with adaptations that fit them very well for one way of life. We can eliminate D and E because they refer to predestination and intelligent design, ideas that the wishes to counter. A is incorrect because he thinks selection theory explains adaptation. The words must and only in B make that wrong. C is suitably general.

Hope it Helps

Lampard42 · Answer

sajjad  Thanks for the effort (RC butler is amazing, Hope you will continue it)

W.r.t. to Question 2, Was confused between A and E and went with E for the following reason. Could you help to clarify what is wrong with A from my reasoning

A. suggest that a particular theory explains otherwise puzzling phenomena - First line of the first para "The principle of selection  solved  the riddle" and last sentence of the first para "Without processes of selection we should be obliged to assume" proves that the author doesn't suggest but concludes.
E. prove that selection is the only possible way of looking at evolutionary biology - While  Prove  is not synonyms with conclude it seems the better of the two.

PureReason · Answer

In my second third attempt I understood option 3 !

To me option B (show that adaptations  must  take place only at specific times and in specific places ) looked most suitable.
But on digging deep in last para you will find that first line (All forms of life are strictly adapted to the conditions of their life, and can persist under these conditions alone.) seems to justify usage of  must  but if you go further in para it tells us that both are possible (he selection theory teaches us how this is conceivable, since it enables us to understand that there is a continual production of what is  non-purposive  as well as of what is  purposive ,)

I figured this out only when I saw right answer. In my opinion very difficult to find right answer in first go!! so Beware of such questions.

Anandanwar · Answer

Hello,
Q2:
Could someone please explain how to select between Choice A and E?

My reasoning for selecting E:
A. suggest that a particular theory explains otherwise puzzling phenomena
The passage does say that selection theory explains a riddle (everything appearing at correct time and place).

E. prove that selection is the only possible way of looking at evolutionary biology
In the first para passage says "Without processes of selection we should be obliged to assume a "pre-established harmony"", which it rejects.
In the last para it says " There MUST therefore be an intrinsic connection between the conditions and the structural adaptations of the organism, and, since the conditions of life cannot be determined by the animal itself, the adaptations MUST be called forth by the conditions." Looking at the usage of words it seems unidirectional towards selection theory without leaving any other options.
It seemed to me that the passage is trying to prove that selection theory is the one.

Since Choice A is about first paragraph and Choice B covers first and second para (2nd paragraph stressing more on absolute proof), I selected E.

Regards,
Ankit

VerbalBot · Answer

Hello from the GMAT Club VerbalBot!

Thanks to another GMAT Club member, I have just discovered this valuable topic, yet it had no discussion for over a year. I am now bumping it up - doing my job. I think you may find it valuable (esp those replies with Kudos).

Want to see all other topics I dig out? Follow me (click follow button on profile). You will receive a summary of all topics I bump in your profile area as well as via email.

The principle of selection solved the riddle as to how what was purpos

Prep Toolkit

Top 5 GMAT Debrief Videos

615 to 715 in 15 Days (Ria's Strategies)

More than Quant/Verbal Abilities: Speed vs. Accuracy

745 with Only Self-Prep and GMAT Club

From 555 to 765: 210-point Improvement

Perfect 805 Score Debrief by Julia

My Rewards

GMAT Reading Comprehension (RC) Questions

The principle of selection solved the riddle as to how what was purpos

Prep Toolkit

615 to 715 in 15 Days (Ria's Strategies)

More than Quant/Verbal Abilities: Speed vs. Accuracy

745 with Only Self-Prep and GMAT Club

From 555 to 765: 210-point Improvement

Perfect 805 Score Debrief by Julia

My Rewards