Question

Which of the following statements would best conclude the ideas presented in this passage?

• A. Scientists will never be able to know for sure what happened to the giant ground sloth, so they should focus their efforts elsewhere.
• B. It is certain that humans contributed to giant ground sloth extinction, but scientists do not yet know in what way.
• C. None of the theories presented completely explains the disappearance of the giant ground sloth, but each has a certain element of viability.
• D. Humans will one day be in danger of extinction, so they should learn what they can from the case of the giant ground sloth.
• E. If each of the three incomplete theories were combined into one theory, then the giant ground sloth extinction would be completely explained.

Hint:

When identifying conclusions, look for options that summarize the key ideas presented in the passage without introducing new concepts.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the conclusion.
The passage presents three different theories for the extinction of the giant ground sloth: human hunting, climate change, and hyper-disease. The author doesn't conclude that any one theory completely explains the extinction, but rather that each theory has some validity.

Step 2: Analysis of options.
- (A) This option does not align with the passage's conclusion, as the author presents multiple possible explanations rather than dismissing the topic altogether.
- (B) While humans are discussed as a potential cause, the passage does not conclude that the cause is certain.
- (C) This option is correct because it reflects the passage's summary that none of the theories fully explains the extinction but each offers useful insights.
- (D) This option introduces a new idea about human extinction, which isn't addressed in the passage.
- (E) The passage doesn't suggest combining the theories into one. It maintains that each theory has its own merit.

Step 3: Conclusion.
The correct answer is (C), as it accurately reflects the main point of the passage, which is that no single theory fully explains the extinction but each provides some valuable insight.