Reading Passage Question

The term biomimicry surfaces frequently in scientific circles to describe a method of using lessons from nature to make technological progress. In recent years, human beings have learned to replicate the strategies of animals in order to improve the efficiency of products. However, biomimicry is not an invention of modern scientists but is of the natural world itself. To escape perceived threats and to help ensure species survival, some animals rely on their ability to adopt or mimic the appearance of another species and thus trick their predators into thinking that they are something else.

Some butterflies use biomimicry effectively to ward off predators who mistake them for their poisonous cousins: the monarchs. Different species of butterfly can be distinguished by the pattern on their wings, and in theory, these patterns alert predators to the types of prey that will harm them. The diverse methods of camouflage have long intrigued animal scientists, but the concept of biomimicry in general has piqued the interest of inventors who recognize the value of nature's designs. A biological mechanism in spiders enables them to produce silk that is five times stronger than steel, and an equally impressive mechanism unique to the brittle star has the ability to focus light ten times more sharply than a human-made lens.

“The term biomimicry surfaces frequently in scientific circles”- is a GMAT reading comprehension passage with answers. Candidates need a strong knowledge of English GMAT reading comprehension.

This GMAT Reading Comprehension consists of 3 comprehension questions. The GMAT Reading Comprehension questions are designed for the purpose of testing candidates’ abilities in understanding, analyzing, and applying information or concepts. Candidates can actively prepare with the help of GMAT Reading Comprehension Practice Questions.

Solution and Explanation

Question 1

The passage implies that biomimicry in the animal world

1. closely mirrors the human pursuit for technological improvement.
2.  is common to animals that exhibit functionally similar behaviors.
3. serves as a method of interspecies communication.
4. clarifies concepts such as how spiders developed incredibly strong silk.
5. explains why some species are more prone to extinction than others.

Question 2
The main purpose of the passage is to

1. describe an animal behaviour mechanism aimed at self-defence.
2. rebut those who claim that biomimicry is a human invention.
3. describe natural designs that might be used as the basis of technological innovation.
4. show that designs based on the natural world tend to be superior to more traditional designs.
5. discuss a recent strategy for technological innovation that is highly similar to a strategy employed by some animal species.

Question 3
The author states that biomimicry in scientific laboratories involves

1. tracing the evolution of a specific technological process to an animal behaviour.
2. analysing the effectiveness of a biological process to species survival.
3. comparing biological processes in animals and humans to identify functional similarities.
4. modelling natural biological mechanisms and applying them to synthetic commodities.
5. studying a natural phenomenon with the intention of applying it to human society.

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