#22 - Global Reference, Main Point

[Administrator]

Complete Question Explanation

The correct answer choice is (D).

Answer choice (A):

Answer choice (B):

Answer choice (C):

Answer choice (D): This is the correct answer choice.

Answer choice (E):

This explanation is still in progress. Please post any questions below!

[Nitani10]

Hi,
I was between C and D. After further review I see one reason why C is wrong, but would love to know if there are additional reasons.

Answer choice C includes "contrary to previous assumptions" but there is no place in the passage suggesting that "previous assumptions" were that the Gobi area was not a stable dune field. We simply don't know what "previous assumptions" were on this. We just know about previous assumptions regarding the cause of the preservation of the fossils.

I can see another potential reason why C is wrong: it's focusing a bit too much on the "stable dune field" which is really only mentioned in the last sentence of the passage. But I struggle with this a bit more because it seems like a rather important aspect/one of the biggest conclusions/takeaways from the passage.

[Amber Thomas]

Hi Nitani!

Your first point is correct, we do not have any evidence in the passage to indicate what the common belief regarding the environment of the Gobi area was. We do not have any "previous assumptions" presented to us in the passage about whether or not the Gobi area was a stable dune field versus a sterile desert.

Your second point is also correct, in that the concept of a "stable dune field" is only brought up in the last paragraph-- the main focus of the passage is on the method of fossil preservation seen at Ukhaa Tolgod. The concept of the Gobi area being a stable dune field at the time in which the fossils were preserved is a piece of evidence towards the argument regarding the proposed method of fossil preservation, as opposed to the main conclusion.

I hope this helps!

[Nitani10]

Thank you Amber!