Q16

[kky215]

I chose B as the answer but even after re-reading the passage, I can't seem to figure out why B isn't the correct answer.

Although I understand that the word "decry" is rather a little too harsh/extreme, for some reason I thought that the author was being critical in how too much attention has been given to the relatively minor role of hormones on the sexual behavior and reproduction. (rather than focusing their attention on studying the role of hormones on OTHER behaviors, such as drinking water and consuming salt).

Also, what in the world does the phrase "parsimonious arrangement whereby hormones involved in the biology of reproduction also influence sexual behavior" mean? I thought that the word 'parsimonious' could only mean 'stingy' in terms of money spending.

Can anyone help in a timely manner please?

thanks

[hyl387]

I actually have issue on this problem too. However my issue is with D and I think I do know why B is incorrect.
The problem lies not so much in "decry". It is more about "relatively minor issue". The author doesn't suggest that gonadal hormone is a minor issue. Rather, he is saying that there are much more in the picture. This by no means weakens the importance of gonadal hormone.
In terms of "parsimonious", I think the author is trying to emphasize a limited use of resources, or in this case a limited study of hormones. I am not sure though.

[daniel]

It is a "parsimonious relationship" because the biological mechanism uses a single set of hormones to influence both physiological processes and behavior. This is frugality in a biological sense: It's like our hormones are taking advantage of a huge buy one function get another function for free sale.

(B) is wrong for a couple of reasons. "Decry" is not what the author is doing here. By starting out with a brief summary of the previous findings with respect to gonadal hormones, the author is essentially saying: "There is a precedent for the new findings that I'm about to tell you, and what you may already know about gonadal hormones influencing both physiology and behavior is not unique to gonadal hormones." In addition, (B) is wrong to characterize the relationship described as "relatively minor." It is actually quite significant (at least, I think we should be able to infer this; otherwise, why write an article about another process that is similar in the way that it influences both physiology and behavior?).

[WaltGrace1983]

(A) "history of research" is a bit wider than what is actually shown in the passage. If the passage gave specific studies done and the consequences of those studies, then maybe (A) would be a better answer. In addition, "led to" is a bit strong. We don't necessarily know that previous research influenced present research.

(B) Discussed above.

(D) The author never "refutes" the first sentence. Instead, the author just adds to the previous understanding.

(E) Never discussed the "various procedures."



(C) is correct because the relationship IS cited to show the "emphasis on earlier research." The emphasis WAS on gonadal hormones/reproductive behavior and the first sentence was pointing that out. Following this, the author DOES "elaborate on the results" as the whole 2nd paragraph is really describing what the results were.