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Set 4: Cross-Text Connections

Explanation

Answer: A

PASSAGE

Text 1 The Fermi Paradox highlights the contradiction between the high probability of extraterrestrial civilizations and the lack of evidence for them. Given the age and size of the universe, we should have detected signals by now. Text 2 The 'Dark Forest' hypothesis offers a chilling solution. It posits that the universe is a dark forest where every civilization is an armed hunter stalking through the trees. To survive, they must remain silent, for any signal reveals their location to a potential threat.

How does Text 2 resolve the contradiction posed in Text 1?

A. It suggests that the silence is a strategic survival mechanism rather than proof of absence.✓ Correct
B. It claims aliens are already here.
C. It says the universe is too small.
D. It argues that we are the only life.

Detailed Explanation

Text 1: Paradox (High probability vs Silence). Text 2: Hunters/Survival (Silence = Strategy). Resolution: Strategic silence explains lack of signals.

Key Evidence:

• "solution"

• "remain silent"

• "strategic survival mechanism"

Why others are wrong: B (Says silent.), C (Age and size mentioned.), D (Proposed solution assumes others exist.).

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