Difficulty: Hard

Average Score: 20%

The late zoologist Sidnie Manton acknowledged that arthropods- animals with jointed exoskeletons, such as flies, crabs, and spiders- are all descended from soft-bodied segmented worms. Yet he maintained that differences in limb form, musculature, and embryonic development indicate that these three arthropod groups- insects, crustaceans, and chelicerates, respectively- evolved independently from worms rather than from a common arthropod ancestor. Consequently, according to Manton, shared characteristics such as a jointed exoskeleton and large compound eyes represent cases of convergent evolution- similar yet independent developments- in these organisms. But if they evolved convergently, then one would expect significant differences in the neurological systems supporting sight. In fact, however, many nerve cells play virtually identical roles in supporting complex visual responses in both insects and crustaceans, suggesting that their common ancestor already possessed highly developed eyes, and therefore was probably already an arthropod. Yet the compound eyes of chelicerates differ neurologically from those of insects and crustaceans, suggesting that the eyes of chelicerates did evolve independently and providing partial confirmation of Manton's views.

It can be inferred that the author of the passage and Manton would be most likely to disagree over which of the following claims?

Rationale

The decision was not made primarily with the view toward taking full advantage of all the effects that a workweek reduction can have.

The author suggests that while the 35-hour workweek aimed to reduce unemployment, it overlooks the broader productivity benefits that could arise from such a reduction, as indicated by the efficiency-wage theory.

A (Insects and crustaceans are both descended from segmented worms.) YOUR ANSWER

This choice implies that the focus on unemployment is what sets this decision apart from others. However, the passage does not indicate that this focus is unique, as it discusses workweek reductions broadly and suggests that they often aim to address unemployment.

B (Insects and crustaceans each have unique limb form, musculature, and embryonic development.) YOUR ANSWER

The passage acknowledges the objective of reducing unemployment as worthy but does not specifically claim that achieving this goal is extremely difficult. Instead, it emphasizes the potential for greater productivity benefits.

D (None of the characteristics common to insects and crustaceans can be found in segmented worms.) CORRECT

The passage critiques the decision's rationale not for being based on mistaken assumptions but for failing to consider the full range of positive outcomes that could result from reduced work hours, as supported by the efficiency-wage theory.

E (Insects and crustaceans are the most closely related of all the arthropod groups.) YOUR ANSWER

While the passage discusses unemployment, it does not assert that the decision-makers overestimated its dangers. Instead, it critiques the limited view on the advantages of workweek reductions without suggesting an overestimation of unemployment risks.

Conclusion

The author infers that France's 1998 decision to implement a 35-hour workweek was limited in scope, primarily targeting unemployment rather than leveraging the comprehensive productivity benefits outlined by the efficiency-wage theory. This perspective highlights the potential for greater economic and social advantages that can arise from a well-considered reduction in work hours, beyond merely addressing unemployment.

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