Question

read this excerpt from \choreographers of matter, life, and intelligence.\
but the few wondrous shells and pebbles picked up by newton and other scientists on the seashore helped to trigger a marvelous chain of events. a profound transformation occurred in human society. with newton’s mechanics came powerful machines, and eventually the steam engine, the motive force which reshaped the world by overturning agrarian society, spawning factories and stimulating commerce, unleashing the industrial revolution, and opening up entire continents with the railroad.
select the most accurate summary of kaku’s argument.
○ newton’s scientific study transformed knowledge of the ocean and encouraged countless transformative inventions.
○ newton’s discoveries led to the invention of machines and the beginning of an industrialized society.
○ newton’s invention of the steam engine revolutionized transportation around the world.
○ newton’s followers invented the machines that later stimulated factory productivity and success.

Explanation:

• Option A: The excerpt does not say Newton's study transformed ocean knowledge; it uses shells/pebbles as a metaphor, so A is wrong.
• Option B: The text states Newton’s mechanics led to powerful machines, steam engine, industrial revolution (agrarian to industrial, factories, commerce, railroads), matching this option.
• Option C: Newton did not invent the steam engine; the excerpt says his mechanics led to it, so C is wrong.
• Option D: The excerpt attributes machines to Newton’s mechanics, not his followers inventing them, so D is wrong.

Answer:

B. Newton’s discoveries led to the invention of machines and the beginning of an industrialized society.