Biologists have Long Suspected that Vegetal Behaviour is Exceptionally Complex

Reading Passage Question

Biologists have long suspected that vegetal behavior is exceptionally complex, but such hypotheses were impossible to test due to limited technical resources. We assumed that plants are able to (5) adaptively respond to stimuli, but were unable to test our assumptions. Similarly, we observed that plants can process informational input on humidity and light, but could not analyze the physiological mechanisms allowing them to do so. Until recently, it was impossible (10) to compare the neural architecture that gives rise to animal cognition to biologically plausible forms of learning in plants. Consequently, no one suspected that plants could anticipate imminent hazards, let alone communicate these hazards through biochemical cues. (15) Today, with the advent of plant neurobiology, scientists can finally shed light on the incredible complexity that underlies vegetal behavior.

Plant neurobiology studies the complex patterns of behavior of plants through information-processing (20) systems. Research in plant neurobiology has not only deepened our knowledge of vegetal behavior, but has also prompted a critical reevaluation of “cognition” as an operative term in a variety of seemingly unrelated fields, such as linguistics, philosophy, and anthropology. (25) Thanks to plant neurobiologists, we now have definitive proof that plants possess cognitive capacities even though they lack the synaptic structures that give rise to animal cognition.

The accelerated pace of discoveries involving (30) plant intelligence warrants significant institutional commitment, which can only be provided by establishing a Department of Plant Neurobiology at our university. Some of my colleagues worry that this department would have no clear rationale, because (35) its objectives are in principle achievable by plant physiologists. This is not true. By assembling scientists to study vegetal behavior under one roof, a department dedicated solely to plant neurobiology will be uniquely capable of addressing issues far beyond the scope of (40) plant physiology. Not before long, we will discover that plants are capable of not only experiencing pain, but also of employing complex cost-benefit analysis to adapt and learn from their mistakes. Our appreciation of vegetal behavior is attainable if, but only if, we (45) recognize the value of plant neurobiology as an autonomous discipline worthy of institutional support.

“Biologists have long suspected that vegetal behaviour is exceptionally complex”- is a GMAT reading comprehension passage with answers. Candidates need a strong knowledge of English GMAT reading comprehension.

This GMAT Reading Comprehension consists of 7 comprehension questions. The GMAT Reading Comprehension questions are designed for the purpose of testing candidates’ abilities in understanding, analyzing, and applying information or concepts. Candidates can actively prepare with the help of GMAT Reading Comprehension Practice Questions.

Solution and Explanation

1. Which one of the following most accurately expresses the main point of the passage?

(A) Plant neurobiology has deepened our understanding of the incredible complexity that underlies vegetal behavior.
(B) Thanks to recent advances in plant neurobiology, our understanding of cognition has evolved.
(C) Advances in the field of plant intelligence require establishing an autonomous department dedicated to the study of plant neurobiology.
(D) Plant neurobiology has accelerated the pace of scientific discoveries involving vegetal behavior.
(E) Plants possess cognitive capacities even though they lack the neural architecture that gives rise to animal cognition.

2. Each one of the following is mentioned in the passage as an example of known vegetal behavior, EXCEPT:

(A) to process environmental input
(B) to communicate information
(C) to experience pain
(D) to interact through signals
(E) to use biochemical cues

3. The author observes that plants “lack the neural or synaptic structures that give rise to animal cognition” (lines 27-28) mainly in order to

(A) indicate a necessary precondition for cognitive function
(B) differentiate the cognitive abilities of plants from those of animals
(C) explain why scientists find it difficult to attribute cognitive abilities to plants
(D) show that certain physiological attributes are no longer sufficient to prove cognitive function
(E) suggest a way in which our understanding of “cognition” has changed over time

4. Which one of the following most accurately describes the relationship between the second paragraph and the final paragraph?

(A) The second paragraph anticipates the objections raised in the final paragraph.
(B) The second paragraph helps to justify the course of action recommended in the final paragraph.
(C) The final paragraph supports the argument made in the second paragraph by clarifying the potential significance of an academic initiative.
(D) The second paragraph describes a controversial view that the author defends in the final paragraph.
(E) The final paragraph debates the significance of a biological phenomenon, which is described in the second paragraph.

5. The passage provides information that answers each of the following questions EXCEPT:

(A) How can research in plant physiology contribute to our future understanding of vegetal behavior?
(B) Has plant neurobiology altered our conception of cognition?
(C) What impact has the study of plant neurobiology made on other academic fields?
(D) How do plant neurobiologists study vegetal behavior?
(E) What are some of the directions for future research in vegetal behavior?

6. Given its tone and content, from which one of the following was the passage most likely drawn?

(A) a textbook on plant neurobiology
(B) a grant application for an experimental study
(C) an editorial published in a national newspaper
(D) a strategic initiative proposed by an academic dean
(E) a study focusing on vegetal behavior

7. Which one of the following is most analogous to the position discussed in lines 33-35?

(A) A car manufacturer refuses to develop a new type of electric car, because the currently existing hybrid model is environmentally friendly.
(B) A car manufacturer refuses to develop a new type of electric car, because the cost of research and development is far greater than the potential earnings from the sale of such
cars.
(C) A car manufacturer refuses to develop a new type of electric car, because such cars merely exchange one form of pollution for another, equally destructive form.
(D) A car manufacturer refuses to develop a new type of electric car, because there is no scientific consensus on the issue of global warming.
(E) A car manufacturer refuses to develop a new type of electric car, because the infrastructure required to support such cars is not yet available.

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