Reading Comprehension: Inference Questions
If the scientists' theory about the formation of oxytocin in mammals is correct, what may be inferred about oxytocin?
Excellent!
[[snippet]]We know from the passage that oxytocin's new function is specific to mammals or at least more developed in mammals. This mean that, in a non-mammal, oxytocin would have developed a different function or kept its previous function.
Incorrect.
[[snippet]]We know that while vasopressin kept the same function as vasotocin, oxytocin began to control other functions, i.e. oxytocin developed a new function. This means that vasotocin could not have controlled some of the same functions as oxytocin currently controls.
Incorrect.
[[snippet]]Although we know that oxytocin developed a new function, we have no information about the reason for the change.
Incorrect.
[[snippet]]While this answer choice may be true, it is not supported by the data in the passage. We do not know what caused oxytocin to assume a new function.
Incorrect.
[[snippet]]Although vasopressin maintained the same function as vasotocin, we also know that the gene for vasopressin mutated just like oxytocin. Since vasopressin changed its structure but kept the same function, we know that structure is not the only factor that controls function. Therefore, we cannot assume vasopressin is closer in structure to vasotocin than oxytocin is.
