GRE Reading 1
Until recently, study of motor control in amphibian feeding was limited to a few model taxa (taxonomic groups), for example, toads (genus Bufo), frogs (Rana), and salamanders (Ambystoma). Studies of these taxa suggested that amphibian feeding in general is highly stereotyped, that is, performed in much the same way every time, with little variation in the timing or extent of movements. However, recent studies of a great variety of salamanders, frogs, and caecilians (tropical amphibians) have revealed that the model taxa are probably exceptions among amphibians, and were unfortunate models on which to base generalizations about amphibians feeding. Indeed, Bufo is now known to be one of the most stereotyped amphibians in its feeding movements, and Ambystoma lies at the low end of variation for salamanders.
- The primary purpose of the passage is to
A. identify certain previously overlooked factors that affect amphibian feeding
B. presents evidence that casts doubt on a previously accepted hypothesis concerning amphibian feeding
C. evaluate a number of recent studies that examine feeding habits among amphibians
D. explain the evidence supporting the claim that amphibian feeding is highly stereotyped
E. contrast two hypotheses about the degree of variation is the timing and extent of movements evident in amphibian feeding
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2. In the context in which it appears, “unfortunate” most nearly means
A. Deplorable
B. Unwarranted
C. Unsuccessful
D. Inconvenient
E. Infelicitous
Suggested Answer: B, E
Explanation: The “Unitil recently” at the start of the paragraph illustrates that the following sentences are about “past views” or “what people accepted previously”. The sentences after “however” are for the new study which plays against the early one. Amphibians being studied in the early publications, like Bufo and Ambystoma, are just exceptions that lead to the wrong conclusion. Recent study has investigated a variety of amphibians and found the previous studies are just too narrow.
The article is probably from: Deban, Stephen M., James C. O’Reilly, and Kiisa C. Nishikawa. “The evolution of the motor control of feeding in amphibians.” American Zoologist 41.6 (2001): 1280–1298.
