Set 9: Transitions
Explanation
PASSAGE
Biodiversity loss threatens ecosystem services that humans depend upon—pollination, water purification, carbon sequestration. Species extinctions occur at rates far exceeding the natural background rate. _______ some biologists argue we are witnessing the sixth mass extinction in Earth's history, the first caused by a single species.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
Detailed Answer Explanation
This question asks you to choose the transition that best connects two ideas. The elevated extinction rates lead biologists to conclude we're in a mass extinction. 'In light of this evidence' shows how the data supports the conclusion. Transitions signal the relationship between sentences or paragraphs. Determine the logical relationship (addition, contrast, cause-effect, example) and select the transition that accurately expresses it. The right transition makes the relationship between ideas crystal clear. Consider what logical connection exists: Is the second idea adding to the first? Contrasting it? Showing a result? The transition should accurately reflect this relationship.
Key Evidence:
• "extinctions occur at rates far exceeding"
• "witnessing the sixth mass extinction"
Why others are wrong: B (Qualification - this continues the argument, not qualifies it.), C (Concurrent events - this is reasoning from evidence, not a parallel event.), A (Example - the mass extinction claim is a conclusion, not an example of extinction rates.).
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