7. In context, which is the best way to revise and combine sentences 6 and 7? Animals' mental lives are not as sophisticated as those of humans. What does go on in the minds of animals might surprise many.
Answer: A
Animals' mental lives are not as sophisticated as those of humans; nonetheless, what does go on in the minds of animals might surprise many.
This revision effectively combines the two sentences while maintaining the contrast between the sophistication of human and animal mental lives. It uses a semicolon to link the two related ideas, emphasizing the surprising nature of animal cognition despite their lesser sophistication.
A) Animals' mental lives are not as sophisticated as those of humans; nonetheless, what does go on in the minds of animals might surprise many.
This option is correct as it appropriately combines the two original sentences. The use of "nonetheless" highlights the contrast between the lack of sophistication in animals' mental lives and the surprising insights into their cognition, preserving the intended meaning.
B) Animals' mental lives are not as sophisticated as those of humans, so what goes on in animals' minds is not likely to surprise many.
This option is incorrect because it alters the meaning of the original sentences. The use of "so" implies a causal relationship that diminishes the surprising aspect of animal cognition, which contradicts the context where the surprising nature of animal mental activity is emphasized.
C) What does go on in the minds of animals might surprise people who are unaware that animals' mental lives are not as sophisticated as those of humans.
While this option maintains the idea of surprise, it introduces unnecessary complexity by specifying "people who are unaware." This shifts the focus from the general surprise regarding animal cognition to a more limited perspective, which does not align with the original intent.
D) Many people might be surprised by what goes on in the minds of animals because animals' minds are not as sophisticated as those of humans.
This option is incorrect as it implies a reason for surprise that contradicts the original sentences. It suggests that the lack of sophistication directly causes the surprise, which misrepresents the relationship between the ideas presented in the original sentences.
Conclusion
Option A is definitively the best choice as it accurately combines the original sentences while preserving their intended meaning and contrast. The other options either misinterpret the relationship between the ideas or add unnecessary complexity, ultimately failing to convey the essence of the original statements about animal cognition.