One advantage of breeding African bees with other bee types

Question

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Passage # 137, Date: 08-Jun-2020
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1993 04 SECTION C 24-27

One advantage of breeding African bees with other bee types (Africanization) may be resistance to the parasitic mite Varroa jacobsoni, a major threat to modern beekeeping. In parts of Europe, this mite is devastating honeybees and killing many colonies despite preventive measures by beekeepers. But in Brazil Varroa jacobsoni has been present in Africanized bees since 1972 without the loss of a single colony, even though beekeepers there undertook no preventive measures. The mites lay eggs within the brood cells of immature bees, and developing mites feed on the hemolymph (blood) of bee pupae. But fewer mites reproduce in Africanized bees than in European bees. Some researchers point out that this resistance may be related to the Africanized worker bee’s shorter development period, which prevents some mites from reaching maturity. Recently the mite has become a serious problem in colonies of European bees in North America. Africanization of these bees may be the best safeguard against this parasite.   
 1 
 1. ​​The passage suggests that which of the following was true of the honeybee colonies described in line 4-6?

(A) Their life expectancy, when free of disease, was shorter than that of European bee colonies in North America.
(B) They were not Africanized.
(C) Their life cycle did not accommodate the feeding habits of Varroa jacobsoni.
(D) They responded well to measures to control Varroa jacobsoni.
(E) They were managed using methods that were more modern than those employed in Brazil.

2 
 2. The author cites all of the following as evidence that Africanized bees’ resistance to Varroa jacobsoni is superior to that of European bees EXCEPT:

(A) Fewer Varroa jacobsoni mites reproduce in Africanized bees.
(B) Varroa jacobsoni is killing many bee colonies in Europe.
(C) Beekeepers in Brazil have not used preventive measures to protect their colonies.
(D) Brazilian bee colonies have endured Varroa jacobsoni since 1972.
(E) At least some European bee colonies have been saved by preventive measures.

3 
 3. According to the passage, research suggests that one possible reason the Africanized bees in Brazil have successfully resisted Varroa jacobsoni is that

(A) the life cycle of the Africanized bee may limit the Varroa jacobsoni mite’s opportunity to reach full development
(B) the Africanized bees may have had an opportunity to develop a chemical resistance to Varroa jacobsoni
(C) the location of bee colonies in Brazil may provide a natural deterrent to Varroa jacobsoni
(D) Varroa jacobsoni may be relatively new to Brazil and may not have had time to become widespread
(E) beekeepers may have developed effective control techniques for Varroa jacobsoni

4 
 4. ​​​​The author’s argument regarding the resistance of Africanized bees to Varroa jacobsoni would be most weakened if which of the following were true?

(A) The bees in Brazil were resistant before being Africanized.
(B) The number of bee colonies in North American increased dramatically whereas the number in Brazil remained unchanged.
(C) Mites found in European bees reproduce at a faster rate than mites of identical species found in the bees in Brazil.
(D) Africanized bees retain many of the characteristics of European bees.
(E) Bee colonies in Europe continue to produce greater quantities of honey than do those in Brazil.

Iceman2020 · Accepted Answer

The passage is relatively straightforward.

Here's my mind map answers.

Para1: Benefits of Africanization --> increases resistance to some mite --> which is devastating in Europe but not in Africa (even without any external care) --> some researchers says its due to African bee's shorter development period, which is preventing mites from reaching maturity --> conclusion is that Africanization is the best solution

1. The passage suggests that which of the following was true of the honeybee colonies described in line 4-6?

(A) Their life expectancy, when free of disease, was shorter than that of European bee colonies in North America. We don't know what happens when the bees are free of the disease
(B) They were not Africanized. Correct. They were not Africanized and hence "destroyed"
(C) Their life cycle did not accommodate the feeding habits of Varroa jacobsoni. No evidence for this. We are told that European bees had longer development cycle and hence bees were able to reach maturity, but we are told nothing about the mite's feeding habit
(D) They responded well to measures to control Varroa jacobsoni. 180 degrees colonies were destroyed
(E) They were managed using methods that were more modern than those employed in Brazil. No evidence for this

2. The author cites all of the following as evidence that Africanized bees’ resistance to Varroa jacobsoni is superior to that of European bees EXCEPT:

(A) Fewer Varroa jacobsoni mites reproduce in Africanized bees. Evidence: "But fewer mites reproduce in Africanized bees than in European bees"
(B) Varroa jacobsoni is killing many bee colonies in Europe. Evidence: "In parts of Europe, this mite is devastating honeybees"
(C) Beekeepers in Brazil have not used preventive measures to protect their colonies. Evidence: "even though beekeepers there undertook no preventive measures"
(D) Brazilian bee colonies have endured Varroa jacobsoni since 1972. Evidence: "Varroa jacobsoni has been present in Africanized bees since 1972 without the loss of a single colony"
(E) At least some European bee colonies have been saved by preventive measures. No evidence for this, so this is our answer

3. According to the passage, research suggests that one possible reason the Africanized bees in Brazil have successfully resisted Varroa jacobsoni is that

(A) the life cycle of the Africanized bee may limit the Varroa jacobsoni mite’s opportunity to reach full development Straightforward: "resistance may be related to the Africanized worker bee’s shorter development period"
(B) the Africanized bees may have had an opportunity to develop a chemical resistance to Varroa jacobsoni OOS
(C) the location of bee colonies in Brazil may provide a natural deterrent to Varroa jacobsoni OOS
(D) Varroa jacobsoni may be relatively new to Brazil and may not have had time to become widespread OOS
(E) beekeepers may have developed effective control techniques for Varroa jacobsoni OOS

4. The author’s argument regarding the resistance of Africanized bees to Varroa jacobsoni would be most weakened if which of the following were true?

(A) The bees in Brazil were resistant before being Africanized. This destroys the argument by saying that the resistance was not due to the bees being africanized but by some other reason that was present before africanizing them
(B) The number of bee colonies in North American increased dramatically whereas the number in Brazil remained unchanged. This is does not provide evidence for improved resistance. The increased numbers could be due to multiple other factors like climate conditions, potency, etc.
(C) Mites found in European bees reproduce at a faster rate than mites of identical species found in the bees in Brazil. Even if this were true the passage says that the longer development cycles of European bees are more conducive than the shorter ones of African bees. So this doesn't weak or attack author's argument
(D) Africanized bees retain many of the characteristics of European bees. OOS
(E) Bee colonies in Europe continue to produce greater quantities of honey than do those in Brazil OOS

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Codebug4it · Answer

1. ​​The passage suggests that which of the following was true of the honeybee colonies described in line 4-6?

(A) Their life expectancy, when free of disease, was shorter than that of European bee colonies in North America.
 => No info on  "when honeybee is free of disease" .

(B) They were not Africanized. 
 => CORRECT. It talks about the bees from Europe and their colonies were getting destroyed because they were not Africanized

(C) Their life cycle did not accommodate the feeding habits of Varroa Jacobson.
 => Not part of these lines.

(D) They responded well to measures to control Varroa jacobsoni
 =>  "killing many colonies despite preventive measures by beekeepers"  - measures didn't work

(E) They were managed using methods that were more modern than those employed in Brazil. 
 => There were no methods used in Brazil for bees

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

2. The author cites all of the following as evidence that Africanized bees’ resistance to Varroa jacobsoni is superior to that of European bees EXCEPT:

(A) Fewer Varroa jacobsoni mites reproduce in Africanized bees. 
 =>  "But fewer mites reproduce in Africanized bees than in European bees"  - present in the passage

(B) Varroa jacobsoni is killing many bee colonies in Europe. 
 =>  "In parts of Europe, this mite is devastating honeybees"  - present in the passage

(C) Beekeepers in Brazil have not used preventive measures to protect their colonies. 
 =>  "even though beekeepers there undertook no preventive measures"  - present in the passage

(D) Brazilian bee colonies have endured Varroa jacobsoni since 1972.
 =>  "Varroa jacobsoni has been present in Africanized bees since 1972 without the loss of a single colony"  - present in the passage

(E) At least some European bee colonies have been saved by preventive measures.
 => CORRECT. Maybe, but not mentioned, or supported by the passage.

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

3. According to the passage, research suggests that one possible reason the Africanized bees in Brazil have successfully resisted Varroa jacobsoni is that

(A) the life cycle of the Africanized bee may limit the Varroa jacobsoni mite’s opportunity to reach full development 
 => CORRECT. From passage - "Some researchers point out that this resistance may be related to the Africanized worker bee’s shorter development period, which  prevents some mites from reaching maturity "

(B) the Africanized bees may have had an opportunity to develop a chemical resistance to Varroa jacobsoni 
 => No mention of any chemical resistance

(C) the location of bee colonies in Brazil may provide a natural deterrent to Varroa jacobsoni
 => it is not location rather it is shorter development period of the bees

(D) Varroa jacobsoni may be relatively new to Brazil and may not have had time to become widespread
 => Passage clearly mentions  "since 1972" , which suggests author wants to say it is not new.

(E) beekeepers may have developed effective control techniques for Varroa jacobsoni
 => Passage clearly mentions -  "even though beekeepers there undertook no preventive measures"  in Brazil

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

4. ​​​​The author’s argument regarding the resistance of Africanized bees to Varroa jacobsoni would be most weakened if which of the following were true?

(A) The bees in Brazil were resistant before being Africanized. 
 => CORRECT. This weakens the argument by suggesting that being Africanized didn't make them resistant for the first time, Africanization may have increased resistance or may not have, but bees were capable of resisting mites before that.

(B) The number of bee colonies in North American increased dramatically whereas the number in Brazil remained unchanged. 
 => As long as bees are resistant in brazil, the count and colonies don't matter.

(C) Mites found in European bees reproduce at a faster rate than mites of identical species found in the bees in Brazil. 
 => This will strengthen the argument claims as the passage suggests that fewer mites reproduce in Africanized bees

(D) Africanized bees retain many of the characteristics of European bees.
 => Effect of other characteristics is not discussed in the passage so we cannot say for sure its roles for Africanized bees. Any other characteristics don't affect as long as "shorter development period" is able to create enough resistant

(E) Bee colonies in Europe continue to produce greater quantities of honey than do those in Brazil
 => Effect of the Quantity of honey is not part of the argument of resistance against the mites

TarPhi · Answer

SajjadAhmad , can you highlight the line 4-6 in Q1? It will make it easier to read and answer Q1.

Thanks in advance.

jaisonsunny77 · Answer

1. ​​The passage suggests that which of the following was true of the honeybee colonies described in line 4-6? 
  
(A) Their life expectancy, when free of disease, was shorter than that of European bee colonies in North America.  -  not mentioned in the passage.  
 (B) They were not Africanized. - In the second sentence of the paragraph, we have "In parts of Europe, this mite is devastating honeybees and killing many colonies despite preventive measures by beekeepers." Further into the paragraph, we get to learn that Africanized bees are not affected by the parasite. Hence, we can reasonably infer that the European bees are not africanized. Hence,  (B) is the right answer choice. 
  
(C) Their life cycle did not accommodate the feeding habits of Varroa jacobsoni.  -  not discussed in the passage.  
 (D) They responded well to measures to control Varroa jacobsoni.  -  not implied in the passage.  
 (E) They were managed using methods that were more modern than those employed in Brazil.  -  not mentioned in the passage.
  
  2. The author cites all of the following as evidence that Africanized bees’ resistance to Varroa jacobsoni is superior to that of European bees EXCEPT: 
  
(A) Fewer Varroa jacobsoni mites reproduce in Africanized bees . -  Towards the middle of the passage, we have "But fewer mites reproduce in Africanized bees than in European bees." 
 (B) Varroa jacobsoni is killing many bee colonies in Europe.  -  In the second sentence of this passage, we have "In parts of Europe, this mite is devastating honeybees and killing many colonies".  
 (C) Beekeepers in Brazil have not used preventive measures to protect their colonies . -  In the third sentence of the passage, we have "But in Brazil Varroa jacobsoni has been present in Africanized bees since 1972 without the loss of a single colony, even though beekeepers there undertook no preventive measures."  
(D) Brazilian bee colonies have endured Varroa jacobsoni since 1972.  -  In the third sentence, we have "But in Brazil Varroa jacobsoni has been present in Africanized bees since 1972" 
 (E) At least some European bee colonies have been saved by preventive measures. - This is not implied anywhere in the passage. Hence,  (E) is the right answer to this EXCEPT question.  
 
  3. According to the passage, research suggests that one possible reason the Africanized bees in Brazil have successfully resisted Varroa jacobsoni is that
  
 (A) the life cycle of the Africanized bee may limit the Varroa jacobsoni mite’s opportunity to reach full development - Towards the end of the passage, we have "Some researchers point out that this resistance may be related to the Africanized worker bee’s shorter development period, which prevents some mites from reaching maturity." Hence,  (A) is the right answer choice.  
 
 (B) the Africanized bees may have had an opportunity to develop a chemical resistance to Varroa jacobsoni  -  not implied by the passage.   
(C) the location of bee colonies in Brazil may provide a natural deterrent to Varroa jacobsoni  -  not implied by the passage.  
 (D) Varroa jacobsoni may be relatively new to Brazil and may not have had time to become widespread  -  false. since we already know that the virus has been prevalent in Brazil since 1972.  
(E) beekeepers may have developed effective control techniques for Varroa jacobsoni  -  the passage mentions that bookkeepers have not implemented any control techniques.

4. ​​​​The author’s argument regarding the resistance of Africanized bees to Varroa jacobsoni would be most weakened if which of the following were true?
  
 (A) The bees in Brazil were resistant before being Africanized. - if this were true, then the passage cannot support the assertion that the resistance of the Africanized bees in Brazil can be attributed to the shorter development period, which prevents some mites from reaching maturity. Since this assertion can no longer be supported, the author's argument will be weakened. Hence,  (A) is the right answer choice.  
  
(B) The number of bee colonies in North American increased dramatically whereas the number in Brazil remained unchanged.  -  the passage is not concerned with the ''number of bee colonies''.   
(C) Mites found in European bees reproduce at a faster rate than mites of identical species found in the bees in Brazil.  -  irrelevant to the passage.   
(D) Africanized bees retain many of the characteristics of European bees.  -  the passage does not imply this in any way 
 (E) Bee colonies in Europe continue to produce greater quantities of honey than do those in Brazil .-  the passage does not make any assertion regarding the ''quantities of honey''.

mayurmb · Answer

I have a query.
Q1 Mentions about line 4-6. 
So do we need to consider it as a line in the paragraph or we have to consider it as a sentence (ie sentence 4-6)

Posted from my mobile device

bM22 · Answer

Hi  mayurmb ,

Lines 4-6 are the lines of the paragragh and not sentences.

Lines in concern are: "In parts of Europe, this mite is devastating honeybees and killing many colonies despite preventive measures by beekeepers".

Hope This Helps.
Thanks.

shreyadhatwalia · Answer

1. ​​The passage suggests that which of the following was true of the honeybee colonies described in line 4-6?

(A)   Their life expectancy, when free of disease, was shorter than that of European bee colonies in North America.   this line is talking about European bees only, hence, irrelevant
(B)  They were not Africanized.  CORRECT - The European bees were not Africanised, hence, the devastation caused by mites
(C)   Their life cycle did not accommodate the feeding habits of Varroa jacobsoni.   Irrelevant
(D)   They responded well to measures to control Varroa jacobsoni.   Irrelevant
(E)   They were managed using methods that were more modern than those employed in Brazil.  Irrelevant - we are talking about the devastation caused to bees in Europe.

Lines 4-6: In parts of Europe, this mite is devastating honeybees and killing many colonies despite preventive measures by beekeepers.

2. The author cites all of the following as evidence that Africanized bees’ resistance to Varroa jacobsoni is superior to that of European bees EXCEPT:

(A)  Fewer Varroa jacobsoni mites reproduce in Africanized bees.  But fewer mites reproduce in Africanized bees than in European bees. 
(B)  Varroa jacobsoni is killing many bee colonies in Europe.  In parts of Europe, this mite is devastating honeybees and killing many colonies despite preventive measures by beekeepers. 
(C)  Beekeepers in Brazil have not used preventive measures to protect their colonies.  beekeepers there undertook no preventive measures. 
(D)  Brazilian bee colonies have endured Varroa jacobsoni since 1972.   In Brazil, Varroa jacobsoni has been present in Africanized bees since 1972 without the loss of a single colony 
(E)  At least some European bee colonies have been saved by preventive measures.  This has been nowhere mentioned in the passage.

4. ​​​​The author’s argument regarding the resistance of Africanized bees to Varroa jacobsoni would be most weakened if which of the following were true?

(A)  The bees in Brazil were resistant before being Africanized.  If this is true, then, Africanisation did not have any impact on the bees.
(B)  The number of bee colonies in North American increased dramatically whereas the number in Brazil remained unchanged.  Irrelevant
(C)  Mites found in European bees reproduce at a faster rate than mites of identical species found in the bees in Brazil.  This can be due to Africanisation, hence, this will strengthen.
(D)  Africanized bees retain many of the characteristics of European bees.  Does not have an impact.
(E)  Bee colonies in Europe continue to produce greater quantities of honey than do those in Brazil.  Irrelevant

VerbalBot · Answer

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One advantage of breeding African bees with other bee types

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One advantage of breeding African bees with other bee types

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