In recent years, commercial beekeepers have reported colony collapse: the disappearance of entire colonies of bees. A biologist, Dr. B,...
GMAT Two Part Analysis : (TPA) Questions
In recent years, commercial beekeepers have reported colony collapse: the disappearance of entire colonies of bees. A biologist, Dr. B, argues that colony collapse is caused by a new parasite, to which bees have not acquired immunity. A chemist, Dr. C, argues that colony collapse is caused by genetic damage from pesticides. And an ecologist, Dr. E, argues that 3 specific commercial beekeeping practices—transportation of hives over long distances, indiscriminate medication, and inbreeding—compromise both the immunity and the genetic diversity of bees, leaving them susceptible to mass die-offs from normally benign microbes.
Complete the table based on the stated views of Dr. B, Dr. C, and Dr. E. In the first column, select the factor common to both Dr. B's and Dr. E's accounts of colony collapse. In the second column, select the factor common to both Dr. C's and Dr. E's accounts of colony collapse. Make two selections, one in each column.
TPA Inference Solution: Colony Collapse Analysis
Phase 1: Owning the Dataset
Argument Analysis Table
| Passage Statement | Analysis & Implications |
| "Dr. B argues that colony collapse is caused by a new parasite, to which bees have not acquired immunity" |
|
| "Dr. C argues that colony collapse is caused by genetic damage from pesticides" |
|
| "Dr. E argues that 3 specific commercial beekeeping practices...compromise both the immunity and the genetic diversity of bees" |
|
| "leaving them susceptible to mass die-offs from normally benign microbes" |
|
Key Patterns Identified
- Dr. B's theory: Immunity-focused (lack of immunity to new threats)
- Dr. C's theory: Genetics-focused (pesticide damage)
- Dr. E's theory: Both immunity AND genetics-focused (commercial practices harm both)
Phase 2: Question Analysis & Prethinking
Understanding Each Part
- Part 1 Focus: What factor appears in both Dr. B's and Dr. E's explanations?
- Part 2 Focus: What factor appears in both Dr. C's and Dr. E's explanations?
- Relationship: We're finding the overlapping elements between different scientists' theories
Valid Inferences
- For Dr. B & Dr. E: Both discuss immunity as a crucial factor
- Dr. B: Bees lack immunity to new parasites
- Dr. E: Commercial practices compromise bee immunity
- For Dr. C & Dr. E: Both discuss genetic factors
- Dr. C: Pesticides cause genetic damage
- Dr. E: Commercial practices reduce genetic diversity
Phase 3: Answer Choice Evaluation
Analyzing Each Option:
"Factor": Too vague; not a specific commonality
"Genetics":
- Dr. C mentions genetic damage
- Dr. E mentions genetic diversity compromise
- Valid for Dr. C & Dr. E comparison
"Immunity":
- Dr. B mentions lack of immunity
- Dr. E mentions compromised immunity
- Valid for Dr. B & Dr. E comparison
"Medication":
- Only Dr. E mentions this (as one of three practices)
- Not mentioned by Dr. B or Dr. C
"New parasites":
- Only Dr. B mentions this
- Dr. E specifically mentions "normally benign microbes" (opposite of new)
"Normally benign microbes":
- Only Dr. E mentions this
- Contradicts Dr. B's "new parasite" theory
"Pesticides":
- Only Dr. C mentions this
- Not part of Dr. B's or Dr. E's primary explanation
Answer Selection
Column 1 (Dr. B and Dr. E): Immunity
- Both scientists identify immunity issues as central to colony collapse
- Dr. B: Lack of acquired immunity
- Dr. E: Compromised immunity from commercial practices
Column 2 (Dr. C and Dr. E): Genetics
- Both scientists identify genetic factors as central to colony collapse
- Dr. C: Genetic damage from pesticides
- Dr. E: Reduced genetic diversity from commercial practices
Verification
We can confirm:
- Each answer is independently supported by the passage
- The pair completely addresses both parts of the question
- No speculation beyond stated facts
- Each column has exactly one correct answer