Digital PSAT Reading and Writing Practice Question 216: Answer and Explanation

Question: 216

Text 1

According to Darwin's theory of evolution, all organisms arise and develop through the process of natural selection, or small functional inheritances that boost one's ability to compete and survive in the wild. When small genetic mutations occur and prove beneficial, they are passed on to offspring, allowing a slow evolution to occur while the less competitive organism dies out. Eventually, Darwin argues, these mutations accumulate and form an entirely new organism.

Text 2

Without having a grasp of Gregor Mendel's work on heredity, Darwin couldn't anticipate modern discoveries within genetics such as genetic drift. Darwin himself acknowledged that his theory would encounter challenges if any complex organ were to be found which could not possibly have been formed by successive, slight modifications. With modern advancements in molecular biology and biochemistry, these "irreducibly complex systems" are not only known to exist, but are, in fact, very prevalent on the cellular level.

Which of the following best describes the relationship between the two texts?

• A. Both texts agree on the infallibility of an evolutionary theory.
• B. Text 1 anticipates and addresses an objection presented by Text 2.
• C. Text 2 explains the historical influence of one biologist on another, bolstering Text 1's argument.
• D. Text 2 highlights a shortcoming in the theory presented in Text 1.

Correct Answer: D

Explanation:

(D) Text 2 argues that because Darwin did not have a grasp of Mendel's work on heredity, he was unable to anticipate the phenomenon of genetic drift. This would be a shortcoming in the theory presented in Text 1 that Text 2 highlights. It is not (A), because neither text claims that the evolutionary theory presented is infallible. It is not (B), because Text 1 does not address any objection from Text 2. It is not (C), because there was a lack of influence of Mendel on Darwin, causing Darwinian theory a problem in the eyes of the author of Text 2.