Q1 - Marine biologist: Scientists have long wondered

[smiller]

What does the Question Stem tell us?
This question asks for the main conclusion of the argument—specifically, the marine biologist's argument.

Break down the Stimulus:
The first three sentences in the stimulus present us with a question and a possible answer: fish that live around coral reefs might be colorful because the reefs are colorful, so the fish's bright colors camouflage them from predators. These first sentences contain an argument, but don't bite the hook! The "however" indicates that our marine biologist doesn't agree. She believes that this suggestion about camouflage is mistaken. The last two sentences support the idea that colorful fish are not actually camouflaged by coral. So, the biologist's main conclusion is that the camouflage theory is mistaken.

Any prephrase?
If we're not fooled by the decoy argument at the beginning of the stimulus, and identify the biologist's actual conclusion, we are well prepared for the answer choices.

Correct answer:
The correct answer is (C).

Answer choice analysis:
A) This is the suggestion that is mistaken, according to the biologist.

B) This is a premise used to support the "mistaken" conclusion that the biologist tries to refute.

C) Correct!

D) This is a premise that supports the biologist's conclusion.

E) This is a second premise that supports the biologist's conclusion.

Takeaway/Pattern: Identify the Conclusion questions often start with an opposing point: someone else's conclusion, which the main argument is trying to refute. Watch for a transition word like "but" or "however," which leads to the core of the argument containing the main conclusion.

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