Question

text structure and purpose: foundations
genetic studies have led researchers to suggest that turtles are most
closely related to the group that includes modern crocodiles. but studies of
fossils have suggested instead that turtles are most closely related to other
groups, such as the one that contains modern snakes. however, many of
the fossil studies have relied on incomplete data sets. for a 2022
investigation, biologist tiago r. simões and colleagues examined more than
1,000 reptile fossils collected worldwide. from this large data set, they
found clear agreement with the results of the genetic studies.
which choice best describes the function of the underlined sentence?
choose 1 answer:
a it offers an overview of the tools scientists use to examine fossils.
b it describes a limitation of some studies about the origin of turtles.
c it criticizes a widely held belief about genetic studies of reptiles.
d it summarizes previous research on the evolution of crocodiles.

Explanation:

The underlined sentence “However, many of the fossil studies have relied on incomplete data sets” points out a shortcoming (limitation) of some fossil studies (which are part of studies about the origin of turtles as the text is discussing turtle - related evolutionary studies). Option A is wrong because it's not about tools. Option C is incorrect as it's not criticizing a belief about genetic studies. Option D is wrong as it's not about crocodile evolution.

Answer:

B. It describes a limitation of some studies about the origin of turtles.