Question 161·Medium·Command of Evidence
“The Secret Life of Octopuses” is a 2022 magazine article by marine biologist Lena Ortiz. In the article, Ortiz argues that octopuses demonstrate sophisticated problem-solving abilities: ______
Which quotation from the article most effectively supports the claim?
For “command of evidence” questions like this, start by underlining the key idea in the claim (here, “sophisticated problem-solving abilities”). Then quickly scan each answer and eliminate any option that doesn’t clearly connect to that idea—anything that only talks about physical traits, background facts, or unrelated abilities should go. Among the remaining choices, pick the one that gives the strongest, most direct example of the specific behavior or quality named in the claim, especially if it shows clear cause-and-effect or learning over time. Avoid being distracted by quotes that sound vivid or interesting but don’t actually support the exact point being made.
Hints
Focus on the key words in the claim
Look carefully at the phrase “sophisticated problem-solving abilities.” What kind of behavior would show an animal solving a problem, rather than just moving or changing color?
Separate physical traits from mental abilities
Some choices describe what an octopus’s body can do or how long it lives. Ask yourself: which choices show thinking or learning, not just physical features or instincts?
Look for a task and improvement
Is there a quote where the octopus faces a specific task or challenge and then shows signs of getting better at it over time?
Step-by-step Explanation
Identify the key idea in the claim
The prompt says Ortiz argues that octopuses demonstrate sophisticated problem-solving abilities. Focus on the words “sophisticated” and “problem-solving abilities.” This means we need evidence of thinking through and solving a challenge, not just being flexible, fast, or beautiful.
Translate the claim into what the evidence should look like
Evidence for sophisticated problem-solving should:
- Show an obstacle or task the octopus must overcome.
- Show the octopus figuring out how to overcome that obstacle.
- Ideally show learning or improvement over time (getting better or faster at the task).
Evaluate each option against the claim
Go through each choice and ask, “Does this show problem-solving?”
- Choice A talks about squeezing through tiny crevices. This is a physical trait (a soft body), not an example of solving a mental problem.
- Choice C mentions lifespan. That is background information, not about thinking or solving anything.
- Choice D describes rapid color change. That shows an impressive ability, but it is more likely an automatic or instinctive response, not clearly evidence of problem-solving.
- One remaining choice describes octopuses repeatedly completing a specific task and changing how quickly they do it, which suggests they are learning how to solve the problem more efficiently.
Choose the quotation that best matches the claim
The quotation that most clearly shows octopuses solving a complex task and improving with practice is:
“In laboratory tanks, individuals repeatedly unscrewed jar lids to reach a crab, completing the task faster after each trial.”
Unscrewing jar lids to reach food is a clear, goal-directed problem, and completing the task faster each time shows learning and sophisticated problem-solving, so this option directly supports Ortiz’s claim.