Question 36·Hard·Cross-Text Connections
Text 1
In an 1876 lecture, Alfred Russel Wallace urged limits on the trade in bird-of-paradise feathers. Wallace conceded that naturalists had long collected specimens, but he claimed recent commercial demand had transformed a “modest scientific harvest” into “an onslaught that endangers the very continuance of the species.”
Text 2
A 2022 article in Conservation History revisits Wallace’s lecture, suggesting that his warning "anticipated modern debates about sustainable use." The article praises Wallace for recognizing that “markets, when untethered, consume resources with a speed unmatched by subsistence practices,” but criticizes him for “placing sole blame on traders while overlooking the complicity of the Victorian consumers who created the demand.”
Based on the texts, both Wallace in Text 1 and the author of Text 2 would most likely agree with which statement?
For cross-text connections, paraphrase each text’s main claim in a short clause, then identify the overlap that both clearly support. Next, test each choice twice—once against Text 1 and once against Text 2—and eliminate choices that add a claim (e.g., assigning primary blame to a specific group or making a historical judgment about what Wallace “overlooked”) that isn’t supported by both authors.
Hints
Focus on agreement, not disagreement
Look for an idea that is clearly supported in both texts, even if each author emphasizes different people or causes.
Reread Wallace’s description of the trade
In Text 1, what does Wallace say the commercial trade does to the birds’ “continuance” (continued existence)?
Use Text 2’s language about markets
In Text 2, what happens to resources when markets are “untethered”? How does that connect to the risk Wallace describes?
Verify each choice against both texts
For each choice, ask: does Text 1 support it? does Text 2 support it? Eliminate any choice that fails either test.
Step-by-step Explanation
Understand what the question is asking
The question asks what both Wallace (Text 1) and the author of Text 2 would agree on. The correct answer must be supported by both texts, not just one.
Identify Wallace’s key claim in Text 1
Wallace says recent commercial demand turned a “modest scientific harvest” into “an onslaught that endangers the very continuance of the species.” So he believes the scale of trade-driven hunting threatens the birds’ survival.
Identify the author’s key claim in Text 2
Text 2 praises Wallace for recognizing that “markets, when untethered, consume resources” extremely quickly. That supports the idea that market forces can drive unsustainable levels of exploitation that endanger wildlife.
Choose the statement supported by both texts
Both texts share the idea that heavy, market-driven harvesting threatens the continued existence of the birds. Therefore, the best answer is: “Over-harvesting posed a threat to the survival of bird-of-paradise species.”