Question 66·Hard·Transitions
The recent mapping of the octopus genome has revealed unexpected genetic complexity. Researchers found a large family of genes linked to neural development, genes previously thought unique to vertebrates. ______ this discovery forces scientists to reconsider how complex nervous systems evolved.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
For transition questions, first ignore the answer choices and determine the logical relationship between the connected ideas: are they similar, contrasting, cause–effect, or example–detail? Then quickly label each choice by the relationship it usually signals (contrast, addition, example, result, etc.) and eliminate any that don’t match. Always read the sentence with your chosen transition in place to confirm it preserves the meaning and flow of the passage.
Hints
Focus on the connection between the sentences
Read the two complete sentences before the blank, then the clause after the blank. Think about how the last idea depends on the earlier information.
Classify the relationship
Decide whether the last part is opposing the earlier idea, illustrating it with a specific case, or happening because of it.
Test each transition in context
Lightly plug each option into the blank and ask: Does this word correctly describe the relationship I just identified, or does it change the meaning in a wrong way?
Step-by-step Explanation
Understand what each sentence is saying
First, restate the key ideas:
- Sentence 1: Mapping the octopus genome showed unexpected genetic complexity.
- Sentence 2: Specifically, researchers found many neural-development genes once thought unique to vertebrates.
- Sentence 3: Because of this, scientists now have to rethink how complex nervous systems evolved.
Notice that the third sentence is directly reacting to the discovery described earlier.
Identify the logical relationship
Ask: How is the third sentence related to the first two?
- Is it an opposite idea (contrast)?
- Is it an example of the earlier point?
- Or is it something that happens because of the earlier point (a consequence)?
Here, scientists reconsidering nervous system evolution happens because of the discovery, so the relationship is cause → effect.
Match the transition type to the relationship
Now match each option to the relationship you found:
- A) "Conversely," signals an opposite or contrasting idea.
- B) "For example," introduces a specific illustration of a previous general statement.
- C) "Nevertheless," shows contrast or something surprising given what came before.
- D) "As a result," shows that what follows is a consequence of what was just described.
Since the third sentence describes an effect of the discovery, the correct transition is D) As a result,.