3

Set 7: Text Structure

Explanation

Answer: C

PASSAGE

Mitochondrial DNA is inherited maternally. This unique inheritance pattern allows geneticists to trace maternal lineages back thousands of years to a theoretical 'Mitochondrial Eve'.

Which choice best describes the utility of the biological mechanism?

A. It proves men have no DNA.
B. It describes how to clone a human.
C. It serves as a historical record due to its specific mode of transmission.✓ Correct
D. It explains why women survive longer.

Detailed Answer Explanation

This question tests your understanding of how the text is organized. Mechanism: Maternal inheritance. Utility: Trace lineages/History. Authors structure their writing purposefully to guide readers through their ideas. Identify the organizational pattern (cause-effect, compare-contrast, problem-solution) and how each part contributes to the whole. Authors choose organizational patterns deliberately to enhance their message. Recognizing whether a text uses chronological order, cause-effect, compare-contrast, or problem-solution helps you understand the author's purpose and follow the logic.

Key Evidence:

• "inherited maternally"

• "allows ... to trace ... back"

Why others are wrong: A (Mitochondrial only.), B (Tracing, not cloning.), D (No survival data.).

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