The water temperature in an estuary is influenced by

Question

The water temperature in an estuary is influenced by fluctuations in air temperature to a much greater extent than is the case in the ocean. If the estuary is shallow, and the fresh and saline components are well mixed, temperature and salinity are usually the same from top to bottom, although temperatures in the shallow waters over mud flats may rise considerably in the summer. Oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in the water vary with photosynthesis, respiration, and decomposition of organic materials. Most animals can tolerate only a limited range of all the various conditions that exist in an estuary; thus each species selects that portion of an estuary where the normal changes in temperature, salinity, and the like fall within its range.

The most logical conclusion to draw from this paragraph is that

oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in an estuary change significantly depending on the latitude of the wetlands
the life forms found in the ocean are probably greater in number as compared to those found in an estuary
water temperature in an estuary compared to a stagnate water mass—a pond, for example— would have a profound impact on the ecological surroundings
photosynthesis, respiration, and decomposition of organic materials are common to all waterrelated habitats 
evidence demonstrates that species of animals found in an estuary probably evolved from the ocean

ichha148 · Answer

Divide the argument
(Fact)The water temperature in an estuary is influenced by fluctuations in air temperature to a much greater extent than is the case in the ocean. 
(Fact)If the estuary is shallow, and the fresh and saline components are well mixed, temperature and salinity are usually the same from top to bottom, although temperatures in the shallow waters over mud flats may rise considerably in the summer. 
(Fact)Oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in the water vary with photosynthesis, respiration, and decomposition of organic materials.
(Fact) Most animals can tolerate only a limited range of all the various conditions that exist in an estuary; 
Conclusion :- thus (Conclusion indicator) each species selects that portion of an estuary where the normal changes in temperature, salinity, and the like fall within its range.

The most logical conclusion to draw from this paragraph is that

oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in an estuary change significantly depending on the latitude of the wetlands - Oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in the water vary with photosynthesis, respiration, and decomposition of organic materials not with latitude -out
the life forms found in the ocean are probably greater in number as compared to those found in an estuary – I can not draw this conclusion ,the argument does say that Most animals can tolerate only a limited range of conditions . however notice the word probably in the answer choice so this may be true or may not be true . I am not sure but I can conclude that probably this may be true
water temperature in an estuary compared to a stagnate water mass—a pond, for example— would have a profound impact on the ecological surroundings – argument compares water temp to ocean only . no reference to pond -out
photosynthesis, respiration, and decomposition of organic materials are common to all water related habitats - This line looks same as Oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in the water vary with photosynthesis, respiration, and decomposition of organic materials. However , this line says Oxygen and CO2 varies because of blah blah and no where it says that these things are common across everywhere
evidence demonstrates that species of animals found in an estuary probably evolved from the ocean- There is no such evidence

I got stuck between B and D and finally chosen B based on POE and accepts B based on the word probably and information provided. 
Can you please share the source of this question ?

shrive555 · Answer

Can you please share the source of this question ?

Magoosh.com

TehJay · Answer

I don't get it. The passage says that the conditions in an estuary are relatively uniform throughout, and then turns around and says that species can only live in a certain portion of an estuary that matches the environment in which they can survive, suggesting that the conditions change from place to place. That seems like a blatant contradiction.

ElCorazon · Answer

No explanations on this post yet. Could someone explain why the answer is B, as this choice seems quite a logical leap? Thanks.

sa18 · Answer

I am confused between B and D.
Can someone explain?

LogicGuru1 · Answer

BAD QUESTION
MUST BE THROWN INTO A GARBAGE BIN STRAIGHT AWAY. 
DONT WASTE TIME ON IT.

Answer can be B but not because of any logic, only because of Process of elimination.

The water temperature in an estuary is influenced by fluctuations in air temperature to a much greater extent than is the case in the ocean. If the estuary is shallow, and the fresh and saline components are well mixed, temperature and salinity are usually the same from top to bottom, although temperatures in the shallow waters over mud flats may rise considerably in the summer. Oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in the water vary with photosynthesis, respiration, and decomposition of organic materials. Most animals can tolerate only a limited range of all the various conditions that exist in an estuary; thus each species selects that portion of an estuary where the normal changes in temperature, salinity, and the like fall within its range.

The most logical conclusion to draw from this paragraph is that

A) Oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in an estuary change significantly depending on the latitude of the wetlands
 Very wrong. O2 and CO2 levels change because of photosynthesis, respiration and decay of organic matter <== Mentioned in passage.

B) The life forms found in the ocean are probably greater in number as compared to those found in an estuary
 No mention in the passage. BUT THE PASSAGE SAYS "Most animals can tolerate only a limited range of all the various conditions that exist in an estuary; thus each species selects that portion of an estuary where the normal changes in temperature, salinity, and the like fall within its range." 
IT CAN BE ASSUMED THAT SINCE OCEAN IS MUCH GREATER IN SIZE THEREFORE MUCH MORE SUCH SPECIALIZED PORTION CAN EXIST IN OCEANS AND MUCH MORE DIVERSE ANIMAL TYPE CAN OCCUPY SUCH DIVERSE PORTIONS OF OCEAN.

C) Water temperature in an estuary compared to a stagnate water mass—a pond, for example— would have a profound impact on the ecological surroundings.
  Wrong :-No mention about a pond. Passage mention ocean and estuary. Where the hell pond came into a question. This is not a parallel reasoning question. 
 
D) Photosynthesis, respiration, and decomposition of organic materials are common to all water related habitats 
 Very Wrong :- No mention of any such information in the passage. 
 
E) Evidence demonstrates that species of animals found in an estuary probably evolved from the ocean
 Very Wrong :- No info. <== Not Mentioned in passage.

SO AS YOU CAN SEE ALL INFORMATION HERE IS WRONG. THE LEAST WRONG IS OPTION B.

I have seen a lot of senseless and useless wrong questions posted by this user in other topics also. 
Look at the way he doesn't even bother to format the question properly.
I suggest to everyone to ignore his questions from now on. He is probably wasting other people's time and energy. 
In other words he is a Troll. Who had a signature that reads "I am the dumbest of them all" and who flaunts a GMAT score of less than 400 On their profile.

goforgmat · Answer

D seems more relevant to me . 
B is too farfetched. The argument states that temperature, salinity, and other factor determine how the life forms choose where they live.
In this case how can one assume there are more organisms in Oceans than in Estuaries?

sangarellinew · Answer

It is B as the passage states that most animals can only tolerate a very limited range of various conditions present in an estuary. The passage is clearly trying to demonstrate the difficulty that species face in choosing an estuary habitat.

KarishmaB · Answer

Premise:
- The water temperature in an estuary is influenced by fluctuations in air temperature to a much greater extent than is the case in the ocean. (so if air is hot, the estuary water gets hot much more than ocean water)
- Oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in the water vary with photosynthesis, respiration, and decomposition of organic materials. 
- Most animals can tolerate only a limited range of all the various conditions

Conclusion: Ocean sees less fluctuation in water temperature. Since most animals tolerate a milted range, it will limit the different animals that can survive in an estuary. So it is probable that the ocean has more diversity. So option (B) makes sense though I never like a conclusion which has "probably" in it. I am not really concluding much if I am saying - You are probably right. But yes, option (B) is true so we will say that it is a conclusion.

What is the source of this question?

The water temperature in an estuary is influenced by

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The water temperature in an estuary is influenced by

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