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Official Explanation

5. Which of the following best describes the organization of the passage?

Explanation

The passage doesn’t have an argument; it is purely explanatory. What it explains is an old system (Linnaean taxonomy), the adjustments that have been made to it, and one di¤ering system (cladistics). Choice (A) represents those three aspects.

(B) is wrong, as there is no suggestion that a third method is needed.

(C) is incorrect, since the traditional approach isn’t really supported with evidence; the passage simply says it has held up.

(D) misrepresents the passage as arguing for something, which is a very common GMAT wrong answer type.

(E) is wrong, as there is no reconciliation attempted between Linnaean taxonomy and cladistics.

Answer: A
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Official Explanation

3. It can be inferred that the author describes Linnaean taxonomy as “robust” in order to emphasize which of the following?

Explanation

The author uses the word “remarkably” before pointing out that the taxonomy has remained e¤ective (“proven robust”), suggesting that it is something of a surprise. The reason given follows the comma in that sentence: “long before Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution drastically altered our understanding of the natural world.”

Choice (C)
represents that reason why the robustness of the taxonomy is remarkable. One might defend (D), as well, but it is not as well supported. While we’re told that Darwin’s theory “drastically altered” scientific knowledge (and thus, taxonomies might be expected to change), we aren’t told what fraction of claims made in the mid-1700s have stood the test of time. Choice (C) is correct.

Answer: C
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