Reading Passage Question
The hypothesis of an expanding Earth has never attracted notable support, and if it were not for the historical example of continental drift, such indifference might be a legitimate response to an apparently improbable concept. It should be remembered, however, that drift too was once regarded as illusory, but the idea was kept alive until evidence from physicists compelled geologists to reinterpret their data.
Of course, it would be as dangerous to overreact to history by concluding that the majority must now be wrong about expansion as it would be to reenact the response that greeted the suggestion that the continents had drifted. The cases are not precisely analogous. There were serious problems with the pre-drift world view that a drift theory could help to resolve, whereas Earth expansion appears to offer no comparable advantages. If, however, physicists could show that the Earth’s gravitational force has decreased with time, expansion would have to be reconsidered and accommodated.
“The hypothesis of an expanding Earth has never attracted notable support”- 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
- The passage indicates that one reason why the expansion hypothesis has attracted little support is that it will not
(A) overcome deficiencies in current geologic hypotheses
(B) clarify theories concerning the Earth’s gravitational forces
(C) complement the theory of continental drift
(D) accommodate relevant theories from the field of physics
(E) withstand criticism from scientists outside the field of geology
Answer: A
Explanation: The hypothesis in the passage is earlier rejection and then acceptance. So the expansion theory gained some popularity because it's also considered as an assumption. It might prove its validity later, if explored like the continental drift theory. So it should overcome deficiencies. Hence, A is the correct answer.
- The final acceptance of a drift theory could best be used to support the argument that
(A) physicists are reluctant to communicate with other scientists
(B) improbable hypotheses usually turn out to be valid
(C) there should be cooperation between different fields of science
(D) there is a need for governmental control of scientific research
(E) scientific theories are often proved by accident
Answer: C
Explanation: As per the passage, if all fields of science work altogether, the hypothesis would get its validity very soon.In the case of drifting theory where science field experts suggested the occurrence of one theory. The cooperation is required, making C the correct answer.
- In developing his argument, the author warns against
(A) relying on incomplete measurements
(B) introducing irrelevant information
(C) rejecting corroborative evidence
(D) accepting uninformed opinions
(E) making unwarranted comparisons
Answer: E
Explanation: In the second paragraph of the passage, the author suggests that the expansion theory has no comparative advantage. Hence, there is no need for making unwarranted comparisons. E is the correct answer.
- It can be deduced from the passage that the gravitational force at a point on the Earth’s surface is
(A) representative of the geologic age of the Earth
(B) analogous to the movement of land masses
(C) similar to optical phenomena such as mirages
(D) proportional to the size of the Earth
(E) dependent on the speed of the Earth’s rotation
Answer: D
Explanation: The gravitational force is considered as a scaling method to deduce whether expansion theory exists. It is also used to measure the expansion of the Earth. The option D states the same. Hence, D is the correct answer.
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