Question 27·Hard·Rhetorical Synthesis
While researching a topic, a student has compiled the following notes:
- In a 2021 field experiment published in Ecology Letters, entomologist Dr. Alberto Ortiz observed that “blue-rich LED lighting can alter nighttime behavior patterns of moths.”
- A 2023 meta-analysis by ecophysiologist Dr. Priya Sharma concluded that “artificial night lighting is proving catastrophic for insect circadian rhythms, leading to population declines.”
- In a 2022 lab study, chronobiologist Dr. Ming Li reported that “cool-white LEDs can cause measurable shifts in insects’ circadian timing.”
- According to a municipal report, the city of Phoenix replaced over 100,000 high-pressure sodium streetlamps with 4,000-kelvin LEDs in 2020, prompting resident complaints about glare.
- Dr. Sharma added that “even modest reductions in skyglow could allow nocturnal insects to rebound within a decade.”
The student wants to include a quotation that most clearly emphasizes the disruptive impact of artificial night lighting (such as LED streetlights) on insects’ internal clocks. Which choice most effectively fulfills this purpose?
For rhetorical synthesis, underline the exact target concept in the purpose statement (here, “internal clocks” and “disruptive impact”), then scan for the most literal match in the notes (circadian rhythms/timing). If multiple quotes match, choose the one whose wording most strongly matches the required emphasis (strong harm vs. mild change or recovery).
Hints
Match “internal clocks” to the scientific term
Look for the option that directly mentions circadian rhythms or circadian timing, since those refer to internal clocks.
Decide which quote emphasizes disruption most strongly
If more than one option mentions internal clocks, choose the one with the strongest language about harm (for example, “catastrophic” vs. milder wording).
Eliminate quotes that focus on something else
Cross out choices that emphasize human reactions, general behavior, or recovery rather than disruption to internal timing.
Step-by-step Explanation
Identify what the quotation must emphasize
The purpose is very specific: the quotation should highlight harm to insects’ internal clocks, meaning their circadian rhythms/circadian timing, and it should emphasize a disruptive effect (strong negative impact).
Compare how directly and strongly each quote matches the purpose
- Ortiz: mentions altered behavior patterns, but does not directly mention circadian rhythms/internal clocks.
- Sharma (meta-analysis): directly mentions circadian rhythms and calls the effect “catastrophic,” strongly emphasizing disruption.
- Li: directly mentions circadian timing, but describes “measurable shifts,” which is a weaker emphasis than “catastrophic.”
- Sharma (skyglow reductions): focuses on insects rebounding (recovery), not on the disruptive impact itself.
Select the quote that best fits
The quote that most clearly emphasizes disruptive impact on internal clocks is:
Sharma’s 2023 meta-analysis warns that “artificial night lighting is proving catastrophic for insect circadian rhythms, leading to population declines.”