Question 246·Hard·Transitions
Researchers analyzing fossil records have observed a significant decline in plant diversity at the end of the Permian period, a time that also saw dramatic shifts in global climate. ______ a parallel study of sediment deposits reveals a spike in fungal spores, suggesting widespread decay of terrestrial vegetation.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
For transition questions, always pause and first determine the exact logical relationship between the ideas: are they in agreement, are they contrasted, is one causing the other, or is one just an example or detail of the other? Then quickly label each answer choice by the type of connection it usually signals (addition/similarity, contrast, cause-effect, time, etc.) and eliminate any that don’t match the relationship you identified from the context. Read your final choice back into the sentence to confirm the meaning and flow stay clear and consistent.
Hints
Classify the relationship
Ask yourself: Does the second part of the sentence disagree with the first, explain an effect of the first, or simply add another related finding about the same situation?
Use the clue "parallel study"
Focus on the phrase "a parallel study of sediment deposits." How does the idea of a parallel study shape the relationship between its findings and the first study’s findings?
Test contrast and cause-effect options
Try reading the sentence with "Nevertheless," and then with "As a result," in your head. Do either of those make the connection between the two scientific observations sound logical and natural?
Step-by-step Explanation
Understand what each part of the sentence is saying
The first part says researchers saw a significant decline in plant diversity at the end of the Permian period, during major climate shifts. The second part says a parallel study of sediment deposits shows a spike in fungal spores, which suggests widespread decay of vegetation. So both parts describe evidence of environmental collapse at the same time period.
Decide the logical relationship between the two parts
Ask: Is the second finding contrasting with, caused by, or just supporting/lining up with the first finding? The second clause does not argue against the first and is not clearly an effect of the first; instead, it is another piece of evidence pointing in the same direction about what was happening to plants at that time.
Match each transition type to the needed relationship
- “Meanwhile,” usually shows two things happening at the same time.
- “Nevertheless,” introduces a contrast or an unexpected twist.
- “As a result,” shows a cause-and-effect relationship.
- One remaining option shows that two things correspond or are in agreement.
The sentence wants to show that the second study’s results are consistent with the first study’s observation, not that they are just simultaneous, contrasting, or caused by each other.
Choose the transition that fits the relationship
Because the second clause presents parallel, supporting evidence that aligns with the first study’s findings, the best transition is C) Correspondingly, which indicates that the results of the parallel study match the earlier observation.