All Exams Test series for 1 year @ ₹349 only
Question

Fish belonging to species S in the deep sea have skins that are extremely black (ultra-black skin). This helps them not only to avoid predators but also sneakily attack their prey. However, having this extra layer of black pigment results in lower collagen on their skin, making their skin more fragile.

Which one of the following is the CORRECT logical inference based on the information in the above passage?  

The correct answer is

Having ultra-black skin has both advantages and disadvantages to species S

Deep Sea Fish Skin: Understanding Ultra-Black Adaptations

The passage describes a fascinating biological adaptation found in fish of species S living in the deep sea: their ultra-black skin. This unique characteristic is not merely an aesthetic feature but plays a crucial role in their survival, presenting both benefits and drawbacks.

Ultra-Black Skin: Advantages for Species S

The primary advantages of having ultra-black skin for species S, as highlighted in the passage, are:

  • Predator Avoidance: The extreme blackness helps these deep sea fish blend into their dark environment, making it incredibly difficult for predators to spot them. This is a vital defense mechanism in an ecosystem where light is scarce.
  • Prey Attack: Beyond defense, the ultra-black skin also serves an offensive purpose. It allows species S to "sneakily attack their prey," implying that their extreme camouflage makes them virtually invisible to their targets, giving them a significant predatory advantage.

Ultra-Black Skin: Disadvantages for Species S

While advantageous, the adaptation of ultra-black skin comes with a notable biological cost for species S:

  • Fragile Skin: The passage explicitly states that "having this extra layer of black pigment results in lower collagen on their skin, making their skin more fragile." Collagen is a protein vital for skin strength and elasticity. A reduction in collagen means their skin is weaker and more susceptible to damage.

Analyzing the Logical Inferences

Let's evaluate each given option based on the information provided about species S and their ultra-black skin:

  • Option 1: "Having ultra-black skin is only advantageous to species S"
    • This statement is incorrect. The passage clearly mentions a disadvantage: "lower collagen on their skin, making their skin more fragile." Therefore, it's not *only* advantageous.
  • Option 2: "Species S with lower collagen in their skin are at an advantage because it helps them avoid predators"
    • This statement is incorrect. Lower collagen is described as making their skin "more fragile," which is a disadvantage, not an advantage. The advantage for predator avoidance comes from the ultra-black skin itself, not from the lower collagen.
  • Option 3: "Having ultra-black skin has both advantages and disadvantages to species S"
    • This statement is correct. As discussed, the advantages include avoiding predators and sneaking attacks on prey, while the disadvantage is having lower collagen, leading to fragile skin. This option accurately summarizes the trade-offs mentioned in the passage.
  • Option 4: "Having ultra-black skin is only disadvantageous to species S but advantageous only to their predators"
    • This statement is incorrect on multiple counts. Firstly, it's not *only* disadvantageous to species S; it provides significant advantages (predator avoidance, prey attack). Secondly, the passage does not state that the ultra-black skin is advantageous to their predators. In fact, it makes species S harder for predators to find.

Correct Inference for Deep Sea Species

Based on the comprehensive analysis of the passage, the most accurate logical inference is that the ultra-black skin of species S presents both significant advantages for survival and notable disadvantages concerning their physical robustness. This showcases a common theme in biological evolution where beneficial adaptations often come with associated costs or trade-offs.

Was this answer helpful?

Important Questions from Paragraph

  1. Four girls P, Q, R and S are studying languages in a University. P is learning French and Dutch. Q is learning Chinese and Japanese. R is learning Spanish and French. S is learning Dutch and Japanese.

    Given that: French is easier than Dutch; Chinese is harder than Japanese; Dutch is easier than Japanese, and Spanish is easier than French.

    Based on the above information, which girl is learning the most difficult pair of languages?

  2. Humans are naturally compassionate and honest. In a study using strategically placed wallets that appear “lost”, it was found that wallets with money are more likely to be returned than wallets without money. Similarly, wallets that had a key and money are more likely to be returned than wallets with the same amount of money alone. This suggests that the primary reason for this behavior is compassion and empathy.

    Which one of the following is the CORRECT logical inference based on the information in the above passage?

  3. Healthy eating is a critical component of healthy aging. When should one start eating healthy? It turns out that it is never too early. For example, babies who start eating healthy in the first year are more likely to have better overall health as they get older.

    Which one of the following is the CORRECT logical inference based on the information in the above passage?

  4. In the last few years, several new shopping malls were opened in the city. The total number of visitors to the malls is impressive. However, the total revenue generated through sales in the shops in these malls is generally low.

    Which one of the following is the CORRECT logical inference based on the information in the above passage?

  5. Statement: You can always give me a ring whenever you need.

    Which one of the following is the best inference from the above statement?

Need Expert Advice?

Start Your Preparation with Prepp Mobile App

Download the app from Google Play & App Store
Download the app from Google Play & App Store
Prepp Mobile App