Reading Passage Question
The term biomimicry surfaces frequently in scientific circles to describe a method of using lessons from nature to make technological progress. In recent years, human beings have learned to replicate the strategies of animals in order to improve the efficiency of products. However, biomimicry is not an invention of modern scientists but is of the natural world itself. To escape perceived threats and to help ensure species survival, some animals rely on their ability to adopt or mimic the appearance of another species and thus trick their predators into thinking that they are something else.
Some butterflies use biomimicry effectively to ward off predators who mistake them for their poisonous cousins: the monarchs. Different species of butterfly can be distinguished by the pattern on their wings, and in theory, these patterns alert predators to the types of prey that will harm them. The diverse methods of camouflage have long intrigued animal scientists, but the concept of biomimicry in general has piqued the interest of inventors who recognize the value of nature's designs. A biological mechanism in spiders enables them to produce silk that is five times stronger than steel, and an equally impressive mechanism unique to the brittle star has the ability to focus light ten times more sharply than a human-made lens.
“The term biomimicry surfaces frequently in scientific circles”- is a GMAT reading comprehension passage with answers. Candidates need a strong knowledge of English GMAT reading comprehension.
This GMAT Reading Comprehension consists of 3 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
Question 1
The passage implies that biomimicry in the animal world
- closely mirrors the human pursuit for technological improvement.
- is common to animals that exhibit functionally similar behaviors.
- serves as a method of interspecies communication.
- clarifies concepts such as how spiders developed incredibly strong silk.
- explains why some species are more prone to extinction than others.
Answer: A
Explanation: In paragraph 1, the passage clearly defines biomimicry as a method that is quite frequently adopted by the scientific community. Based on acquiring knowledge from the natural world so as to ensure the development of technology. The given passage also highlights the ability of certain animals to mimic or imitate the appearance of other animals. So as to create an illusion and confuse their predators into believing that they are something entirely different. For example, the passage talks about how certain species of butterflies use biomimicry. To trick their predators into mistaking them for being the lethal monarchs. Hence, option A can be said to be the correct answer.
Question 2
The main purpose of the passage is to
- describe an animal behaviour mechanism aimed at self-defence.
- rebut those who claim that biomimicry is a human invention.
- describe natural designs that might be used as the basis of technological innovation.
- show that designs based on the natural world tend to be superior to more traditional designs.
- discuss a recent strategy for technological innovation that is highly similar to a strategy employed by some animal species.
Answer: C
Explanation: The last paragraph in the given passage, through examples of animals such as the spider and butterfly. It clearly explains how minute observations and designs made and created by the natural world can. In fact, be used as an effective basis for the advancement and development of technology that is, undoubtedly, useful for the human world. For example, the passage highlights the ability of butterflies to camouflage themselves so as to effectively escape the eyes of their predators. The passage also mentions the ability of the spiders to produce silk and weave it in the form of a star. Which has the capability of reflecting light almost five times greater than a human-made lens.
Question 3
The author states that biomimicry in scientific laboratories involves
- tracing the evolution of a specific technological process to an animal behaviour.
- analysing the effectiveness of a biological process to species survival.
- comparing biological processes in animals and humans to identify functional similarities.
- modelling natural biological mechanisms and applying them to synthetic commodities.
- studying a natural phenomenon with the intention of applying it to human society.
Answer: D
Explanation: Paragraph 1 of the given passage clearly defines biomimicry as a method commonly used by the scientific community to obtain or gain knowledge. From the natural world and utilize them for the advancement and development of technology. Thus, biomimicry is not a natural phenomenon rather it can be said to be a method by which animals camouflage themselves. To ward off their predators or is a method that is used for creating extraordinary natural designs. This method has been explained in the given passage with the example of a spider. A spider which has the unique ability to produce silk and create a star-like design that is capable of reflecting light more intensely than a human-made lens. Hence, D can be said to be the correct option.
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