Question 94·Easy·Central Ideas and Details
Wildlife researcher Jane Goodall revolutionized primatology by spending years living among chimpanzees in Tanzania’s Gombe Stream National Park. Unlike earlier scientists who conducted brief laboratory studies, Goodall carried a simple notebook into the rainforest each day and recorded what she saw. This long-term, in-the-field approach revealed that chimpanzees make and use tools, form lasting social bonds, and even wage wars. By documenting these behaviors, Goodall overturned the idea that such complexity distinguished humans from other animals.
According to the text, what aspect of Goodall’s research enabled her to challenge earlier assumptions about chimpanzees?
For “According to the text” questions, locate the exact sentence that addresses the question (often signaled by contrast words like “Unlike”). Then choose the option that most directly restates that line, and eliminate choices that add new information, contradict the passage, or describe results instead of the method.
Hints
Focus on the contrast with earlier scientists
Reread the sentence that begins with “Unlike earlier scientists…” and note how Goodall’s approach differed.
Look for what ‘revealed’ new behaviors
Find the sentence that explains what revealed the chimpanzees’ complex behaviors; that sentence points to the key aspect of her research.
Method vs. results
The question asks about how she studied the chimpanzees, not what she discovered. Pick the choice that restates her method.
Step-by-step Explanation
Understand what the question is asking
The question asks which aspect of Goodall’s research method made it possible for her to challenge earlier assumptions about chimpanzees.
Find the method the passage highlights
The passage contrasts earlier scientists’ “brief laboratory studies” with Goodall “spending years living among chimpanzees” and recording daily observations in the rainforest.
Connect the method to the discoveries
It then states that “this long-term, in-the-field approach revealed” tool use, social bonds, and warfare—evidence that challenged prior assumptions.
Choose the option that matches that method
The choice that matches “long-term” and “in-the-field” observation in the chimpanzees’ natural environment is: Her years of observing chimpanzees daily in the wild at Gombe Stream.