GMAT Reading Comprehension - Although Numbers of Animals in a Given Region May Fluctuate From Year to Year

Reading Passage Question

Although numbers of animals in a given region may fluctuate from year to year, the fluctuations are often temporary and, over long periods, trivial. Scientists have advanced three theories of population control to account for this relative constancy.
The first theory attributes a relatively constant population to periodic climatic catastrophes that decimate populations with such frequency as to prevent them from exceeding some particular limit. In the case of small organisms with short life cycles, climatic changes need not be catastrophic: normal seasonal changes in photoperiod (daily amount of sunlight), for example, can govern population growth. This theory—the density-independent view—asserts that climatic factors exert the same regulatory effect on population regardless of the number of individuals in a region.
A second theory argues that population growth is primarily density-dependent—that is, the rate of growth of a population in a region decreases as the number of animals increases. The mechanisms that manage regulation may vary. For example, as numbers increase, the food supply would probably diminish, which would increase mortality. In addition, as Lotka and Volterra have shown, predators can find prey more easily in high-density populations. Other regulators include physiological control mechanisms: for example, Christian and Davis have demonstrated how the crowding that results from a rise in numbers may bring about hormonal changes in the pituitary and adrenal glands that in turn may regulate population by lowering sexual activity and inhibiting sexual maturation. There is evidence that these effects may persist for three generations in the absence of the original provocation. One challenge for density-dependent theorists is to develop models that would allow the precise prediction of the effects of crowding.
A third theory, proposed by Wynne-Edwards and termed “epideictic,” argues that organisms have evolved a “code” in the form of social or epideictic behavior displays, such as winter-roosting aggregations or group vocalizing; such codes provide organisms with information on population size in a region so that they can, if necessary, exercise reproductive restraint. However, Wynne-Edwards’ theory, linking animal social behavior and population control, has been challenged, with some justification, by several studies.

‘Although numbers of animals in a given region may fluctuate from year to year’ is a GMAT reading comprehension passage with answers. Candidates need a strong knowledge of English GMAT reading comprehension. The GMAT Reading Comprehension questions are designed to test candidates’ abilities in understanding, analyzing, and applying information or concepts.

This particular GMAT Reading Comprehension consists of 6 comprehension questions. ‘Although numbers of animals in a given region may fluctuate from year to year’ comprises choosing the correct option question types. In choosing the correct option, candidates are required to answer based on a given cue. They are required to choose from multiple options. 

Question 1. The primary purpose of the passage is to

(A) argue against those scientists who maintain that animal populations tend to fluctuate
(B) compare and contrast the density-dependent and epideictic theories of population control
(C) provide example of some of the ways in which animals exercise reproductive restraint to control their own numbers
(D) suggests that theories of population control that concentrate on the social behavior of animals are more open to debate than are theories that do not
(E) summarize a number of scientific theories that attempt to explain why animal populations do not exceed certain limits

Answer: E
Explanation: from year to year, the number of animals in the region might fluctuate , the fluctuations are mainly temporary and in the long term trivial. The three theories for this have been formulated by scientists which the passage has summarised.

Question 2: It can be inferred from the passage that proponents of the density-dependent theory of population control have not yet been able to

(A) use their theory to explain the population growth of organisms with short life cycles
(B) reproduce the results of the study of Christian and Davis
(C) explain adequately why the numbers of a population can increase as the population’s rate of growth decreases
(D) make sufficiently accurate predictions about the effects of crowding
(E) demonstrate how predator populations are themselves regulated
Answer: D
Explanation: the density-dependent theory of population control has been formulated by proponents who state that the challenge is to develop models that would precisely be able to predict the effects of crowding. Hence, D is the correct answer.

Question 3 Which of the following, if true, would best support the density-dependent theory of population control as it is described in the passage?

(A) As the number of foxes in Minnesota decrease, the growth rate of this population of foxes begins of increase.
(B) As the number of woodpeckers in Vermont decreases, the growth rate of this population of woodpeckers also begins to decrease.
(C) As the number of prairie dogs in Oklahoma increases, the growth rate of this population of prairie dogs also begins to increase.
(D) After the number of beavers in Tennessee decreases, the number of predators of these beavers begins to increase.
(E) After the number of eagles in Montana decreases, the food supply of this population of eagles also begins to decrease.

Answer: A
Explanation: the density-dependent theory of population control identified that in a region when the number of animals decreases, the growth rate of the population increases. Hence, A is the correct answer.

Question 4: According to the Wynne-Edwards theory as it is described in the passage, epideictic behaviour displays serve the function of
(A) determining roosting aggregations
(B) locating food
(C) attracting predators
(D) regulating sexual activity
(E) triggering hormonal changes
Answer: D
Explanation: Wynne-Edwards theory,argues that epideictic behaviour displays serve the function of in necessary display reproductive restraint hence, regulating sexual activity. Hence, D is the correct answer.

Question 5: The challenge posed to the Wynne-Edwards-theory by several studies is regarded by the author with
(A) complete indifference
(B) qualified acceptance
(C) sceptical amusement
(D) perplexed astonishment
(E) agitated dismay
Answer: B
Explanation: Wynne-Edwards Theory has posed the challenge of qualified acceptance by several studies which the passage mentions.

Question 6: Which of the following statements would provide the most of logical continuation of the final paragraph of the passage?

(A) Thus Wynne-Edwards’ theory raises serious questions about the constancy of animal population in a region.
(B) Because Wyn
ne-Edwards’ theory is able to explain more kinds of animal behavior than is the density dependent theory, epideictic explanations of population regulation are now widely accepted.
(C) The results of one study, for instance, have suggested that group vocalizing is more often used to defend territory than to provide information about population density.
(D) Some of these studies have, in fact, worked out a systematic and complex code of social behavior that can regulate population size.
(E) One study, for example, has demonstrated that birds are more likely to use winter-roosting aggregations than group vocalizing in order to provide information on population size.

Answer: C
Explanation: Most logical continuation of the final paragraph of the passage have suggested that group vocalising is more often used to defend territory than to provide information about population density

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