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GATE 2024 XH2 (English) – Question 22

Reasoning and Comprehension · Verbal reasoning and comprehension · 2 marks · Multiple select

Which of the statement(s) about the passage weaken(s) the argument presented?

Scientists associate large brains with greater intelligence. However, in the evolutionary context it has also been identified that beyond a point, the size of the brain has not increased and yet after a particular period, in spite of no significant change in brain size humans have made significant progress. Certain researchers propose that this is because, while the overall brain size may not have changed, marked structural changes can be noticed in specific structures that run parallel to increase in human intelligence.

  1. Recent studies refute the hypothesis that region-specific brain development is necessarily associated with rapid human progress
  2. Neanderthal people’s extinction was probably because of their brain size
  3. Homo Sapiens and its destruction in the future may happen because of its rapid brain development
  4. Recent studies show that Neanderthal people, with relatively smaller brains, were capable of complex language and social activities

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Correct answer: (A) Recent studies refute the hypothesis that region-specific brain development is necessarily associated with rapid human progress; (D) Recent studies show that Neanderthal people, with relatively smaller brains, were capable of complex language and social activities

Explanation

A attacks the researchers' explanation that structural changes in the brain explain progress. D weakens the link between large brains and intelligence, since smaller-brained people also had complex language and social life. B and C talk about extinction, which is not what the argument is about.