Last visit was: 22 Apr 2026, 20:19 It is currently 22 Apr 2026, 20:19
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.
Close
Request Expert Reply
Confirm Cancel
User avatar
guddo
Joined: 25 May 2021
Last visit: 22 Apr 2026
Posts: 1,012
Own Kudos:
11,316
 [55]
Given Kudos: 32
Posts: 1,012
Kudos: 11,316
 [55]
10
Kudos
Add Kudos
43
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Most Helpful Reply
User avatar
YuktiMaheshwari
Joined: 05 Jan 2023
Last visit: 17 Apr 2026
Posts: 31
Own Kudos:
11
 [8]
Given Kudos: 15
Posts: 31
Kudos: 11
 [8]
8
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
User avatar
Sajjad1994
User avatar
GRE Forum Moderator
Joined: 02 Nov 2016
Last visit: 22 Apr 2026
Posts: 16,839
Own Kudos:
51,894
 [6]
Given Kudos: 6,334
GPA: 3.62
Products:
Posts: 16,839
Kudos: 51,894
 [6]
5
Kudos
Add Kudos
1
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
General Discussion
User avatar
Sajjad1994
User avatar
GRE Forum Moderator
Joined: 02 Nov 2016
Last visit: 22 Apr 2026
Posts: 16,839
Own Kudos:
51,894
 [3]
Given Kudos: 6,334
GPA: 3.62
Products:
Posts: 16,839
Kudos: 51,894
 [3]
2
Kudos
Add Kudos
1
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Explanation

1. With which of the following statements about the coevolutionary relationship between Passiflora vines and Heliconius butterflies would the author of the passage be most likely to agree?

Explanation

The author of the passage discusses the coevolutionary relationship between Passiflora vines and Heliconius butterflies. To determine which statement the author would most likely agree with, let's analyze the information provided in the passage:

-Passiflora vines have developed various defenses against Heliconius butterflies, including changes in leaf shape and the development of egg-mimicry.
-Heliconius butterflies have also evolved to recognize Passiflora characteristics, including leaf chemistry, in locating host plants.
-The coevolutionary relationship includes a dynamic process where Passiflora vines and Heliconius butterflies continually influence each other's evolution.
-Given this information, the most likely statement that the author would agree with is:

Answer option (E) aligns with the idea that coevolution is an ongoing process, with both species adapting and evolving in response to each other's strategies. The passage does not provide information to support the other statements (A, B, C, or D), so they cannot be inferred from the information presented in the passage.

Answer: E
User avatar
Sajjad1994
User avatar
GRE Forum Moderator
Joined: 02 Nov 2016
Last visit: 22 Apr 2026
Posts: 16,839
Own Kudos:
Given Kudos: 6,334
GPA: 3.62
Products:
Posts: 16,839
Kudos: 51,894
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Explanation

2. Which of the following best describes the function of the third paragraph of the passage?

Explanation

A. This option is not accurate because the third paragraph does not directly answer a question posed at the beginning of the passage. Instead, it provides additional information and examples related to the coevolutionary relationship between Passiflora vines and Heliconius butterflies.

B. This option is not correct because the third paragraph does not summarize the examples given in the passage. Instead, it introduces a new and specific example of an adaptation (egg-mimicry) within the coevolutionary relationship between Passiflora vines and Heliconius butterflies.

C. This option is the most accurate description of the function of the third paragraph. The paragraph introduces the concept of "egg-mimicry" as an additional example of adaptation in Passiflora vines, which directly illustrates the ongoing coevolutionary relationship between Passiflora vines and Heliconius butterflies.

D. This option is not relevant to the content of the third paragraph. The paragraph does not describe any research project or outline steps taken in research. It focuses on presenting an adaptation in Passiflora vines.

E. This option is not supported by the content of the third paragraph. The paragraph does not propose or suggest further research. Instead, it provides a specific example of adaptation within the coevolutionary relationship already discussed in the passage.

In summary, the third paragraph's primary function is to provide an additional example of an adaptation (egg-mimicry) that indicates the coevolutionary relationship between Passiflora vines and Heliconius butterflies. Option C accurately describes the purpose of this paragraph in the passage.

Answer: C
User avatar
Sajjad1994
User avatar
GRE Forum Moderator
Joined: 02 Nov 2016
Last visit: 22 Apr 2026
Posts: 16,839
Own Kudos:
51,894
 [1]
Given Kudos: 6,334
GPA: 3.62
Products:
Posts: 16,839
Kudos: 51,894
 [1]
Kudos
Add Kudos
1
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Explanation

4. Passiflora leaf chemistry is mentioned in the passage as a characteristic that

Explanation

The passage mentions Passiflora leaf chemistry in the context of the coevolutionary relationship between Passiflora vines and Heliconius butterflies. Let's analyze each answer option to determine the role of Passiflora leaf chemistry as described in the passage:

A. This option is not accurate. The passage does not state that Passiflora leaf chemistry deters Heliconius butterflies from laying eggs on Passiflora vines. In fact, it mentions that variations in leaf shape (not chemistry) have not been sufficient to deter the butterflies.

B. The passage does not provide information about when Passiflora leaf chemistry developed in relation to coevolution. It discusses the development of various adaptations in Passiflora vines and Heliconius butterflies but does not specify the timing of the changes in leaf chemistry.

C. This option is not entirely accurate. The passage mentions that Passiflora vines have developed various defenses against Heliconius butterflies, but it does not specifically attribute the success of these defenses to leaf chemistry. The passage focuses more on the recent discovery of "egg-mimicry" as an effective deterrent.

D. The passage does not suggest that Passiflora leaf chemistry is likely to change over time in response to habitat changes. It primarily discusses how Passiflora vines have evolved adaptations to Heliconius parasitism.

E. This is the correct answer. The passage mentions that Heliconius butterflies have developed the ability to recognize Passiflora characteristics, including leaf chemistry, in locating Passiflora vines. Therefore, Passiflora leaf chemistry is mentioned as a characteristic that helps Heliconius butterflies locate Passiflora vines. So, the correct answer is option E.

Answer: E
User avatar
LK22112
Joined: 04 Nov 2023
Last visit: 18 Apr 2024
Posts: 28
Own Kudos:
15
 [3]
Location: Hong Kong
Concentration: Entrepreneurship, Strategy
GMAT Focus 1: 685 Q90 V82 DI80
GPA: 3.9
Products:
GMAT Focus 1: 685 Q90 V82 DI80
Posts: 28
Kudos: 15
 [3]
2
Kudos
Add Kudos
1
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
3. The primary purpose of the passage is to

A major focus of modern evolutionary ecology is the study of coevolution: investigating interactions between organisms in nature and analyzing how interacting pairs of organisms influence one another as they evolve. One of the most remarkable coevolutionary interactions is between various species of i butterflies and various species of Passiflora vines.

The first 2 sentences is about introducing the topic: the coevolution is a hot area for investigation.

The the entire page is talking about one amazing example of this coevolution - butterflies and PV. How they develop new feature because of another's evolution.

C. explore aspects of the coevolutionary relationship between Passiflora vines and Heliconius butterflies

D. give an overview of coevolutionary relationships in plants and animals, using the relationship between Heliconius butterflies and Passiflora vines as an example

If the purpose is to give a overview of the coevolutionary relationship. Most likely the paragraph is like below:

- What is coevolutionary relationship: type 1, type 2, type 3. Heliconius butterflies and Passiflora vines as an example, sometimes type 1, sometimes type 2, sometime type 3. However, in this article, the major discussion is one developing new features to anti another.

- Plus article does not mention plant and animal
User avatar
kartickdey
Joined: 13 Sep 2024
Last visit: 22 Apr 2026
Posts: 207
Own Kudos:
Given Kudos: 403
Location: India
Products:
Posts: 207
Kudos: 10
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
KarishmaB, ChiranjeevSingh, MartyMurray
Regarding Q3, I could not understand why option D is wrong. Please explain why option D is wrong.
User avatar
guddo
Joined: 25 May 2021
Last visit: 22 Apr 2026
Posts: 1,012
Own Kudos:
11,316
 [1]
Given Kudos: 32
Posts: 1,012
Kudos: 11,316
 [1]
1
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
3. The primary purpose of the passage is to

The passage describes an ongoing back and forth between Heliconius butterflies and Passiflora vines: butterflies choose Passiflora for egg laying, the caterpillars harm the plant’s reproduction, and the plant evolves defenses like changing leaf shape and, in a few species, egg like spots that deter egg laying.

A. explain why Heliconius butterflies select Passiflora vines for depositing their eggs

Too narrow. The passage mentions why (they lay eggs only on Passiflora and choose tender shoots), but most of the passage is about plant defenses and how butterflies respond.

B. describe the manner in which Heliconius butterflies distinguish Passiflora vines from other plants

Also too narrow. Leaf shape and leaf chemistry are discussed, but mainly to show the plant’s attempted defenses and the butterflies’ counter adaptations.

C. explore aspects of the coevolutionary relationship between Passiflora vines and Heliconius butterflies

This best matches the passage. The passage’s main job is to show the interaction and mutual influence over time, including how each side’s traits put pressure on the other.

D. give an overview of coevolutionary relationships in plants and animals, using the relationship between Heliconius butterflies and Passiflora vines as an example

Too broad. It defines coevolution briefly, then almost entirely focuses on this one specific pair rather than giving an overview of many relationships.

E. argue that the only species of Passiflora vines to survive are those that adapt to Heliconius parasitism

Not supported. The passage never claims only adapted species survive, and it even says one defense (leaf shape variation) has not been sufficient to stop egg laying.

Answer: (C)
User avatar
MartyMurray
Joined: 11 Aug 2023
Last visit: 22 Apr 2026
Posts: 1,842
Own Kudos:
7,086
 [1]
Given Kudos: 211
GMAT 1: 800 Q51 V51
Expert
Expert reply
Active GMAT Club Expert! Tag them with @ followed by their username for a faster response.
GMAT 1: 800 Q51 V51
Posts: 1,842
Kudos: 7,086
 [1]
1
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
kartickdey
Regarding Q3, I could not understand why option D is wrong. Please explain why option D is wrong.
Here's (D).

D. give an overview of coevolutionary relationships in plants and animals, using the relationship between Heliconius butterflies and Passiflora vines as an example

This choice is tricky to eliminate because the passage begins with the following sentence.

A major focus of modern evolutionary ecology is the study of coevolution: investigating interactions between organisms in nature and analyzing how interacting pairs of organisms influence one another as they evolve.

Seeing that first sentence, we may be tempted to believe the the purpose of the passage is to discuss the study of coevolution in general and therefore choose (D).

At the same time, looking carefully at (D), we see the following failure point: Though the passage does briefly mention "investigating" interactions between organisms "analyzing" how interacting pairs of organisms influence one another, it does not provide "an overview" of coevolutionary relationships. Rather, it goes straight into the specifics of the relationship between Heliconius butterflies and Passiflora vines.

So, in saying that the purpose is to "give an overview of coevolutionary relationships, (D) fails to accurately describe the purpose of the passage.

Key Takeaway: Sometimes, the content of the opening sentence or paragraph of a passage does not indicate what the primary purpose of the passage is and instead provides context for what follows, which is the main discussion of the passage. So, we have to be careful not to be fooled by the opening sentence or paragraph into believing that the primary purpose of a passage is something other than what it is.

Here's another passage whose primary purpose is different from what the first paragraph might seem to indicate it to be.

https://gmatclub.com/forum/social-learning-in-animals-is-said-to-occur-when-direct-or-indirect-21724.html
Moderators:
GMAT Club Verbal Expert
7391 posts
499 posts
358 posts