Comprehension
In studying the evolution of vertebrae, biologists have often focused on the notochord, a flexible
rod found in the embryos of all vertebrates. The notochord appears early in development and
is later replaced by the vertebral column, or spine. Because the notochord is essential for the
formation of the spine, it has been argued that the evolution of the spine must have followed
the evolution of the notochord. However, recent research on the lancelet, a small invertebrate
chordate, challenges this view. Lancelets are thought to resemble the ancestors of vertebrates,
and they possess a notochord but lack vertebrae. This suggests that the notochord evolved
before the spine. Moreover, studies of lancelet development have shown that the notochord is
not required for the formation of the tissues that give rise to the spine in vertebrates. Instead,
the notochord appears to play a role in organizing the development of other structures, such as
the nerve cord and the muscles. These findings suggest that the notochord and the spine evolved
independently, with the notochord arising first to serve functions other than spinal development.
The spine may have evolved later as a means of providing support and protection for the body.
Question: 1
The primary purpose of the passage is to
The primary purpose of the passage is to
Show Hint
In passages that present scientific arguments, look for keywords like "traditionally," "it has been argued," followed by "however," "but," or "recent research suggests." This structure often indicates the primary purpose is to challenge or revise an older idea.
Updated On: Sep 30, 2025
- describe the structure and function of the notochord
- explain the role of the lancelet in the study of vertebrate evolution
- discuss a challenge to the traditional view of the evolution of the spine
- argue that the notochord is essential for the formation of the spine
- compare the evolution of the notochord with the evolution of the spine
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The Correct Option is C
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
This is a primary purpose question, asking for the main idea of the passage. The goal is to identify the central argument the author is making.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
The passage begins by introducing a "traditional view": that the evolution of the spine followed the evolution of the notochord because the notochord is essential for spine formation.
The pivotal word "However" signals a shift. The rest of the passage is dedicated to presenting evidence from "recent research on the lancelet" that "challenges this view."
It explains that lancelets have a notochord but no spine, and that the notochord isn't required for spine-related tissues, suggesting the two evolved independently.
Therefore, the main purpose is not just to describe the notochord (A) or the lancelet (B), but to use evidence from the lancelet to question an established scientific view.
Option (D) represents the traditional view that is being challenged, not the purpose of the passage.
Option (E) is part of the discussion, but the main thrust is the *challenge* to the old theory, making (C) the most accurate description of the passage's purpose.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The passage is structured to present a traditional theory and then dismantle it with new evidence. Option (C) best captures this argumentative structure.
This is a primary purpose question, asking for the main idea of the passage. The goal is to identify the central argument the author is making.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
The passage begins by introducing a "traditional view": that the evolution of the spine followed the evolution of the notochord because the notochord is essential for spine formation.
The pivotal word "However" signals a shift. The rest of the passage is dedicated to presenting evidence from "recent research on the lancelet" that "challenges this view."
It explains that lancelets have a notochord but no spine, and that the notochord isn't required for spine-related tissues, suggesting the two evolved independently.
Therefore, the main purpose is not just to describe the notochord (A) or the lancelet (B), but to use evidence from the lancelet to question an established scientific view.
Option (D) represents the traditional view that is being challenged, not the purpose of the passage.
Option (E) is part of the discussion, but the main thrust is the *challenge* to the old theory, making (C) the most accurate description of the passage's purpose.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The passage is structured to present a traditional theory and then dismantle it with new evidence. Option (C) best captures this argumentative structure.
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Question: 2
The passage mentions which of the following as evidence that challenges the traditional view of the evolution of the spine?
The passage mentions which of the following as evidence that challenges the traditional view of the evolution of the spine?
Show Hint
For questions asking for "evidence," scan the text for the specific facts the author uses to support a claim. The answer will be a direct statement or a close paraphrase of information presented as factual support in the passage.
Updated On: Sep 30, 2025
- The notochord is found in the embryos of all vertebrates.
- The spine replaces the notochord during development.
- Lancelets possess a notochord but lack vertebrae.
- The notochord is essential for the formation of the nerve cord and muscles.
- The spine provides support and protection for the body.
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The Correct Option is C
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
This is a detail-retrieval question that asks for a specific piece of evidence mentioned in the passage used to challenge the traditional view.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
The passage states, "However, recent research on the lancelet... challenges this view." It then immediately provides the evidence. The first piece of evidence given is: "Lancelets are thought to resemble the ancestors of vertebrates, and they possess a notochord but lack vertebrae. This suggests that the notochord evolved before the spine."
This directly supports option (C). The existence of an organism with a notochord but no spine contradicts the idea that the notochord evolved solely for the purpose of spine formation.
Options (A) and (B) are facts that support the *traditional* view, not challenge it.
Option (D) is a finding from recent research, but it's a secondary point about the notochord's actual function, not the primary evidence that it evolved before the spine.
Option (E) is a concluding statement about the spine's function, not evidence challenging the evolutionary relationship with the notochord.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The fact that lancelets have a notochord without having a spine is the key piece of evidence used to challenge the traditional theory. Therefore, option (C) is correct.
This is a detail-retrieval question that asks for a specific piece of evidence mentioned in the passage used to challenge the traditional view.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
The passage states, "However, recent research on the lancelet... challenges this view." It then immediately provides the evidence. The first piece of evidence given is: "Lancelets are thought to resemble the ancestors of vertebrates, and they possess a notochord but lack vertebrae. This suggests that the notochord evolved before the spine."
This directly supports option (C). The existence of an organism with a notochord but no spine contradicts the idea that the notochord evolved solely for the purpose of spine formation.
Options (A) and (B) are facts that support the *traditional* view, not challenge it.
Option (D) is a finding from recent research, but it's a secondary point about the notochord's actual function, not the primary evidence that it evolved before the spine.
Option (E) is a concluding statement about the spine's function, not evidence challenging the evolutionary relationship with the notochord.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The fact that lancelets have a notochord without having a spine is the key piece of evidence used to challenge the traditional theory. Therefore, option (C) is correct.
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Question: 3
According to the passage, recent research suggests which of the following about the notochord?
According to the passage, recent research suggests which of the following about the notochord?
Show Hint
Pay close attention to qualifying phrases like "recent research suggests" or "studies have shown." Questions often test your ability to distinguish new findings from older, traditional views mentioned in the same passage.
Updated On: Sep 30, 2025
- It evolved after the spine.
- It is required for the formation of the spine.
- It plays a role in organizing the development of the nerve cord and muscles.
- It is found only in vertebrates.
- It is homologous to the spine in vertebrates.
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The Correct Option is C
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
This is a detail-retrieval question focused on the findings of "recent research" as described in the passage.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
We must locate what the passage explicitly says "recent research" or "studies" have shown. The passage states, "Moreover, studies of lancelet development have shown that the notochord is not required for the formation of the tissues that give rise to the spine in vertebrates. Instead, the notochord appears to play a role in organizing the development of other structures, such as the nerve cord and the muscles."
Let's evaluate the options against this text:
(A) This is false. The research suggests the notochord evolved *before* the spine.
(B) This is false. The research shows the notochord is *not required* for the formation of spine tissues.
(C) This is a direct paraphrase of the passage's statement about the notochord's role.
(D) This is false. The passage discusses the lancelet, an "invertebrate chordate," which has a notochord.
(E) This is false. The research suggests they evolved "independently," meaning they are not homologous structures (i.e., derived from the same ancestral structure).
Step 3: Final Answer:
Recent research indicates that the notochord's role is in organizing other structures like the nerve cord and muscles, making option (C) the correct answer.
This is a detail-retrieval question focused on the findings of "recent research" as described in the passage.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
We must locate what the passage explicitly says "recent research" or "studies" have shown. The passage states, "Moreover, studies of lancelet development have shown that the notochord is not required for the formation of the tissues that give rise to the spine in vertebrates. Instead, the notochord appears to play a role in organizing the development of other structures, such as the nerve cord and the muscles."
Let's evaluate the options against this text:
(A) This is false. The research suggests the notochord evolved *before* the spine.
(B) This is false. The research shows the notochord is *not required* for the formation of spine tissues.
(C) This is a direct paraphrase of the passage's statement about the notochord's role.
(D) This is false. The passage discusses the lancelet, an "invertebrate chordate," which has a notochord.
(E) This is false. The research suggests they evolved "independently," meaning they are not homologous structures (i.e., derived from the same ancestral structure).
Step 3: Final Answer:
Recent research indicates that the notochord's role is in organizing other structures like the nerve cord and muscles, making option (C) the correct answer.
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