As biologist Terrie Williams has documented, deep dives present a challenge for seals and other marine mammals. A seal must exert enough energy to propel itself hundreds of meters downward, while keeping its heart rate low enough that it doesn’t run out of oxygen while underwater. ______blank a seal moves its flippers as little as possible on a deep dive, gliding to conserve energy.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
Correct answer: C
Explanation
Choice C is the best answer. “For this reason” logically signals that the behavior described in this sentence is a consequence of the information about seals in the previous sentence. That is, a seal moves its flippers as little as possible during a deep dive because it needs to keep its heart rate low enough that it does not run out of oxygen.
Choice A is incorrect because “in the first place” illogically signals that this sentence is the first point in a discussion. Instead, the sentence describes a behavior that is a consequence of the previous information about seals. Choice B is incorrect because “on the other hand” illogically signals that the behavior described in this sentence contrasts with the previous information about seals. Instead, it is a consequence of that information. Choice D is incorrect because “in comparison” illogically signals that the behavior described in this sentence is being compared to the previous information about seals. Instead, it is a consequence of that information.
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