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While RNA viruses are widely acknowledged as prevalent, they are perha
[#permalink]
22 Apr 2026, 12:57
22 Apr 2026, 12:57
Expert Reply
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Question Stats:
45% (00:53) correct
55% (00:22) wrong based on 20 sessions
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While RNA viruses are widely acknowledged as prevalent, they are perhaps more significant for being ________ ; their inherent genetic plasticity enables them to swiftly recalibrate their structures to thrive within divergent biological niches.
| Blank (i) |
|---|
| A. static |
| B. protean |
| C. innocuous | D. deleterious | E. immutable |
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Re: While RNA viruses are widely acknowledged as prevalent, they are perha
[#permalink]
25 Apr 2026, 04:00
25 Apr 2026, 04:00
Expert Reply
1. The Logic Structure :
- The Pivot: The word "While" acknowledges a basic fact (they are prevalent/common) but shifts focus to a more "significant" trait.
- The Clue: The second half of the sentence (after the semicolon) explains the blank: the viruses have "genetic plasticity" and can "swiftly recalibrate" to "thrive in divergent niches."
- The Inference: We are looking for a word that means "ever-changing," "versatile," or "capable of assuming many forms."
- Selection: Protean (B). In a GRE context, protean refers to something that is extremely variable or capable of changing easily. It is derived from Proteus, the Greek sea god who could change his shape at will.
2. Evaluating the Choices :
- A. static: (Opposite Trap) Means lacking in movement, action, or change. This is the direct opposite of the "swiftly recalibrate" clue.
- B. protean: (Correct) Tending or able to change frequently or easily. This perfectly matches the description of a virus that adapts to new hosts.
- C. innocuous: (Thematic Trap) Means not harmful or offensive. Students often see "virus" and look for words related to health, but the logic here is about change, not severity.
- D. deleterious: (Thematic Trap) Means causing harm or damage. While viruses are often deleterious, this word does not explain the "ability to recalibrate" provided in the clue.
- E. immutable: (Opposite Trap) Means unchanging over time or unable to be changed. This contradicts the "plasticity" mentioned in the text.
- The Pivot: The word "While" acknowledges a basic fact (they are prevalent/common) but shifts focus to a more "significant" trait.
- The Clue: The second half of the sentence (after the semicolon) explains the blank: the viruses have "genetic plasticity" and can "swiftly recalibrate" to "thrive in divergent niches."
- The Inference: We are looking for a word that means "ever-changing," "versatile," or "capable of assuming many forms."
- Selection: Protean (B). In a GRE context, protean refers to something that is extremely variable or capable of changing easily. It is derived from Proteus, the Greek sea god who could change his shape at will.
2. Evaluating the Choices :
- A. static: (Opposite Trap) Means lacking in movement, action, or change. This is the direct opposite of the "swiftly recalibrate" clue.
- B. protean: (Correct) Tending or able to change frequently or easily. This perfectly matches the description of a virus that adapts to new hosts.
- C. innocuous: (Thematic Trap) Means not harmful or offensive. Students often see "virus" and look for words related to health, but the logic here is about change, not severity.
- D. deleterious: (Thematic Trap) Means causing harm or damage. While viruses are often deleterious, this word does not explain the "ability to recalibrate" provided in the clue.
- E. immutable: (Opposite Trap) Means unchanging over time or unable to be changed. This contradicts the "plasticity" mentioned in the text.
gmatclubot
Re: While RNA viruses are widely acknowledged as prevalent, they are perha [#permalink]
25 Apr 2026, 04:00
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