Question

in a heated debate in biogeography, the field is divided between dispersalists and vicariancists. ______ there are those who argue that dispersal is the most crucial determining factor in a species distribution, and those who insist that vicariance (separation due to geographic barriers) is. biogeographer isabel sanmartín counts herself among neither.

which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?

choose 1 answer:

a furthermore,
b by contrast,
c similarly,
d that is,

Explanation:

Analyze the relationship between the sentences

The first sentence states that the field of biogeography is divided between two groups: "dispersalists and vicarianists." The second sentence elaborates on this division by defining what these two groups argue ("there are those who argue that dispersal is the most crucial... and those who insist that vicariance... is"). This second sentence provides a clarification or restatement of the division mentioned in the first sentence.

Evaluate the transition options

• (A) "Furthermore," is used to add new, supporting information, which does not fit a restatement.
• (B) "By contrast," is used to show a difference, but the second sentence defines the very groups introduced in the first.
• (C) "Similarly," is used to compare two similar ideas, which is not the case here.
• (D) "That is," is used to introduce a simplification, clarification, or definition of a previous statement, which perfectly fits the elaboration of the two groups.

Answer:

• (A) Furthermore,
• (B) By contrast,
• (C) Similarly,
• (D) That is, (Correct answer)