21. Which of the following best describes the purpose of the last sentence of the first paragraph ('They wanted . . . to survive')?
Answer: C
To summarize the goals of the study
The last sentence of the first paragraph outlines the objectives of the study conducted by biologists, focusing on understanding the minimum critical size required for species survival and their interdependence.
A) To present a conclusion of the study
This option is incorrect because the last sentence does not summarize the findings or conclusions drawn from the study. Instead, it states the aims and goals, which are distinct from conclusions that would typically summarize results.
B) To explain the methodology of the study
This choice is also incorrect as the last sentence does not detail how the study was conducted. While the methodology is discussed earlier in the extract, the last sentence specifically addresses the goals rather than the methods employed to achieve them.
C) To summarize the goals of the study
This option is correct as the last sentence clearly articulates the objectives of the research, which include determining the minimum size necessary for species survival and the interdependence of species. It encapsulates what the researchers aimed to discover.
D) To describe the hypothesis on which the study is based
This statement is incorrect because the last sentence does not articulate a specific hypothesis. Instead, it focuses on the broader goals of understanding species survival and their interrelations, rather than a specific predictive statement about the outcomes.
E) To suggest that the findings of the study are still inconclusive
This option is incorrect because the last sentence does not imply any uncertainty or inconclusiveness regarding the findings. It is focused solely on the objectives of the study rather than the status of its results.
Conclusion
The correct answer is C, as it effectively encapsulates the primary focus of the last sentence regarding the study's aims. All other options fail to accurately reflect the purpose of the sentence, either by misinterpreting its content or by not addressing the clear objectives articulated within it.