In Considering the Origin of Species, it is Quite Conceivable that a Naturalist

Reading Passage Question

In considering the origin of species, it is quite conceivable that a naturalist, reflecting on the mutual affinities of organic beings, on their embryological relations, their geographical distributions, geological successions and other such facts, might conclude that each species had not independently created, but had descended, like varieties, from other species. Nevertheless, such conclusion, even if well founded, would be unsatisfactory, until it could be shown how the innumerable species inhabiting this world have been modified, to acquire that perfection of structure and co-adaptation which most justly excites our admiration.

Naturalists continually refer to external conditions, such as climate, food, etc. as the only possible cause of variation. In one very limited sense, this may be true; but it is preposterous to attribute to mere external conditions, the structure, for instance, of the woodpecker, with its feet, tail, beak, and tongue, so admirably adapted to catch insects under the bark of trees. In case of the mistletoe, which draws its nourishment from certain trees, which has seeds that must be transported by certain birds, and which has flowers with separate sexes absolutely requiring the agency of certain insects to bring pollen from one flower to the other, it is equally preposterous to account for the structure of this parasite, with its relations to several distinct organic beings, by the effects of external conditions, or of habit, or of the volition of the plant itself.

“In considering the origin of species, it is quite conceivable that a naturalist”- this is a GMAT reading comprehension passage with answers. Candidates need a strong knowledge of English GMAT reading comprehension.

This GMAT Reading Comprehension consists of 4 comprehension questions. The GMAT Reading Comprehension questions are designed for 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. What is the primary purpose of the author in writing the passage?

(A) To analyze the origin of species
(B) To disprove a particular group of naturalists
(C) To explore the effects of external conditions on evolution of species
(D) To substantiate the existence of innumerable species on the planet
(E) To examine the structure of different species

2. A naturalist is likely to consider for mutual affinities of organic beings, each of the following factors EXCEPT:

(A) Geological succession
(B) Geography
(C) Biology
(D) Volition
(E) Co-dependence

3. Which of the following can be inferred from the information in the passage?

(A) Most naturalists believe that each species has been created independently of others.
(B)The unique characteristics of the mistletoe can, to a large extent, be explained as being the result of its external conditions.
(C) commonly accepted belief amongst naturalists about the origin of species is
(D) The woodpecker was most likely created independently and has not descended from any other species.
(E) mistletoe cannot reproduce by itself but needs the assistance of other species.

4. The tone of the author can best be described as:

(A) Critical
(B) Impartial
(C) Cynical
(D) Disbelieving
(E) Exuberant

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