Question: Although all birds have feathers and all birds have wings, some birds do not fly. For example, penguins and ostriches use their wings to move in a different way from other birds. Penguins use their wings only to swim under water at high speeds. Ostriches use their wings only to run with the wind by lifting them as if they were sails.

Which one of the following is most parallel in its reasoning to the argument above?

(A) Ancient philosophers tried to explain not how the world functions but why it functions. In contrast, most contemporary biologists seek comprehensive theories of how organisms function, but many refuse to speculate about purpose.
(B) Some chairs are used only as decorations, and other chairs are used only to tame lions. Therefore, not all chairs are used for sitting in despite the fact that all chairs have a seat and some support such as legs.
(C) Some musicians in a symphony orchestra play the violin, and others play the viola, but these are both in the same category of musical instruments, namely string instruments.
(D) All cars have similar drive mechanisms, but some cars derive their power from solar energy, whereas others burn gasoline. Thus, solar-powered cars are less efficient than gasoline-powered ones.
(E) Sailing ships move in a different way from steamships. Both sailing ships and steamships navigate over water, but only sailing ships use sails to move over the surface.

Correct Answer: B
Explanation: It is required to search for a conclusion to solve this question. In answer choice B, the word “therefore” - is a significant structural signal indicating that it is deriving a conclusion. The phrase “... not all chairs are used for sitting in…” could be reframed as “Some chairs are not used for sitting in”. This seems parallel to “some birds do not fly”. Moreover, the argument exhibits similar types of evidence, citing examples of chairs which are not utilised for sitting. In addition, “feathers” and “wings” correspond completely with “seat” and “support”. These two aspects are universal in their respective classifications (birds and chairs). Hence option B is parallel and is the correct answer. Let’s analyse the other options.

Option A
This answer choice shows a comparison between ancient philosophers with contemporary biologists. It depicts their objectives for the study. The stimulus presented here does not cite non-flying birds. Hence there lies no comparison between them and flying birds. Therefore, the answer choice depicts a comparison of two different things. Hence it cannot derive a conclusion and is not parallel.

Option C
This answer choice depicts that both violas and violins are instruments in a symphony orchestra. It gives the idea that they are similar types of instruments and they do not do something distinct. Therefore, option C is not parallel.

Option D
This answer choice creates a comparison between the value of gasoline-powered and solar-powered cars. The stimulus of the argument does not depict this sort of assessment of value. Therefore, option D is not parallel.

Option E
This answer choice set a comparison between steamships and sailing ships. It depicts the ways they move over water. Therefore, it does not represent the idea that some of a distinct group do not accomplish something that others accomplish. Hence, option E is not correct.

“Although all birds have feathers and all birds have wings, some birds”- is a GMAT critical reasoning topic of the GMAT exam. This GMAT critical reasoning question consists of with five options and candidates need to select the one which is correct. GMAT critical reasoning tests the candidates’ abilities to assess a distinct set of facts with logic.

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