According to Wilson,1 only when we are able to apply the same paramete

Question

According to Wilson, 1  only when we are able to apply the same parameters and mathematical principles to weighing both troops of rhesus macaques and termite colonies will a unified science of sociobiology finally exist. While recognizing that many of his colleagues question such an outcome, Wilson, one of sociobiology’s leading proponents, finds himself simultaneously more and more struck by the functional similarities that characterize both insect and vertebrate societies and less concerned with the structural differences that divide them to such an apparently irreconcilable degree. Thus, he freely compares termites and macaques, pointing out numerous likenesses between them. Both societies are territorial: they occupy a particular home range, which they defend against intruders. Likewise, both are cooperative: members organize themselves into working groups that observe a clearly defined division of labor. In addition, members of both groups can convey to each other a range of basic emotions and personal information: animosity, fright, hunger, rank within a particular caste, and ability to reproduce. Wilson readily concedes that, from a specialist’s perspective, such a likeness may at first appear superficial, even unscientifically glib. Nonetheless, in this eminent scholar’s judgment, “it is out of such deliberate oversimplification that the beginnings of a general theory are made.”    1  
 1. Which of the following best summarizes the author’s main point?

A. Facile and simplistic comparisons of animal societies could damage the prospects for the establishment of a unified science of sociobiology.
B. It is necessary to study both biology and sociology in order to appreciate how animals as different as termites and rhesus macaques can be said to resemble each other.
C. The majority of animal species arrange themselves in societies whose patterns of group behavior resemble those of human societies.
D. It is worthwhile noting that animals as dissimilar as termites and rhesus monkeys observe certain analogous and predictable behavior patterns.
E. An analysis of the ways in which insect and vertebrate societies resemble one another could supply the foundation for a unified science of sociobiology.

2  
 2. Which of the following is the best title for the passage?

A. Deceptive Comparisons: Oversimplification in Biological Research
B. An Uncanny Likeness: Termites and Rhesus Macaques
C. Structural Dissimilarities Between Insects and Vertebrates
D. Arguments Against a Science of Sociobiology
E. Sociobiology: Intimations of a General Theory

3  
 3. According to the author, Wilson’s attitude toward the prospect of a unified theory in sociobiology can best be characterized as which of the following?

A. Unconditional enthusiasm
B. Cautious optimism
C. Unbiased objectivity
D. Resigned acquiescence
E. Strong displeasure

1
 Edwin O. Wilson, Harvard professor and author of  Sociobiology .

Rohit1988 · Answer

Should answer for question not be A. Why is it B ? It asks for Wilson’s thought not the author’s thought

Sajjad1994 · Answer

OE

3. According to the author, Wilson’s attitude toward the prospect of a unified theory in sociobiology can best be characterized as which of the following?

How does Wilson feel about the possibility of a unified theory of sociobiology? The answer choices range from actively negative (strong displeasure) to actively positive (unconditional enthusiasm), with passively negative (resigned acquiescence), neutral (unbiased objectivity), and guardedly positive (cautious optimism) in between.

Wilson’s attitude toward the possibility of a unified theory of sociobiology is implicit in the author’s choice of words. It is clear that Wilson views this possibility positively; the whole thrust of his argument is that the current studies of the similarities between insect and vertebrate societies could mark the beginnings of such a unified theory and that the specialist should not dismiss these studies as glib or simpleminded. Note in the second sentence how the author describes Wilson as a leading proponent or champion of sociobiology, someone whose feelings about the field are by definition positive.

Wilson is certainly not unhappy or strongly displeased with this potential unified theory, nor is he merely long-suffering or resigned to it. Similarly, he is not unbiased and objective about it; he actively involves himself in arguing the case for sociobiology. Thus, you can eliminate  Choices C, D,  and  E.

But how do you decide between the two positive terms, enthusiasm and optimism,  Choice A and Choice B ? To decide between them, you must look carefully at the adjectives modifying them. Is Wilson’s enthusiasm unqualified or unconditional? You may think so, but look again. The opening sentence states a basic condition that must be met before there can be a unified science of sociobiology: the same parameters and mathematical principles must be used to analyze insect and vertebrate societies. Though a proponent of sociobiology, Wilson is first and foremost a scientist, one who tests hypotheses and comes to logical conclusions about them. Unconditional enthusiasm seems to overstate his attitude.  Choice A  appears incorrect.

What about  Choice B ? Is Wilson’s optimism cautious or guarded? Yes. According to the passage, Wilson is aware that specialists may well find fault with the sociobiologist’s conclusions; the passage uses terms that convey values, first the negative  “superficial, even unscientifically glib”  to suggest the specialist’s negative attitude toward sociobiology, then the positive  “deliberate”  to convey Wilson’s own more positive response.

The correct answer is Choice B.

Sajjad1994 · Answer

OE

1. Which of the following best summarizes the author’s main point?

Look at the opening and summary sentences of the passage:  “only when we are able to apply the same parameters and mathematical principles to weighing both troops of rhesus macaques and termite colonies will a unified science of sociobiology finally exist . . . it is out of such deliberate oversimplification that the beginnings of a general theory are made.”  First, is there a person, place, thing, idea, or process that is common to both sentences? Are there any words in the last sentence that repeat something in the first? A general theory repeats the idea of a unified science of sociobiology. The paragraph’s subject seems to be the unified science of sociobiology. Note as well the words pointing to expectations for the future— will . . . finally exist, beginnings. The tone of both sentences appears positive: when certain conditions are met, then, in Wilson’s view, a specific result will follow—we will have a unified science or general theory of sociobiology. This result, however, is not guaranteed; it can come about only if the conditions are met.

Now turn to the answer choices. What does  Choice A  say about a unified science of sociobiology? It states some things could make it less likely, not more likely, to come about. Choice A is incorrect; it contradicts the passage’s sense that a unified science of sociobiology is a likely outcome.

Choices B, C,  and  D  also may be incorrect: not one of them mentions a unified science of sociobiology. On closer inspection,  Choice B  proves incorrect: it makes an unsupported statement that one needs biological and sociological education to understand the resemblances between insects and vertebrates.

Choice C  also proves incorrect: it goes far beyond what the passage actually states. Where the passage speaks in terms of termites and rhesus macaques,  Choice C  speaks in terms of the majority of animal species and extends the comparison to include humans as well.

Choice D , while factually correct according to the passage, is incorrect because it is too narrow in scope. It ignores the author’s main point; it fails to include Wilson’s interest in the possibility that a study of such similar patterns of behavior might lead to a general theory of sociobiology.

The correct answer is  Choice E.  It is the only statement that speaks of a unified science of sociobiology as a likely possibility. 
 
  Answer: E

Sajjad1994 · Answer

OE

2. Which of the following is the best title for the passage?

Choice A  is incorrect: it is at once too narrow and too broad. It is too narrow in that the passage refers to oversimplification only in passing; it does not have oversimplification as its subject. It is too broad in that the passage emphasizes sociobiology, not the whole realm of biological research. It is also misleading; the passage never asserts that the deliberate oversimplification of the comparison between termites and macaques is intended to deceive.

Choice B  is incorrect: it is too narrow. True, the author discusses the resemblance between termite and macaque societies; however, this likeness is not his subject. He discusses it to provide an example of the sort of comparison that may lay the groundwork for a potential science of sociobiology.

Choice C  is also incorrect because it is not inclusive enough. It fails to mention the potential science of sociobiology. In addition, while the passage refers to structural differences between insect and vertebrate societies, it stresses structural similarities, not structural dissimilarities.

Choices D  and  E  both mention the theory of sociobiology. Which is the better title for the piece? Clearly,  Choice E : the author is not arguing against the potential science of sociobiology; he is reporting Wilson’s opinions concerning the likelihood of sociobiology’s emergence as a unified science. Thus, he finds in the termite-macaque comparison intimations or hints of an incipient general theory. 
 
  Answer: E

According to Wilson,1 only when we are able to apply the same paramete

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