Now I got it

Sorry but I do think you did not read very super carefully the passage. And it cannot have mistakes because is an official one

Now, back to the facts

1) the main idea is the following

(E) A study of the similarities between insect and vertebrate societies could provide the basis for a unified science of sociobiology.

Common things between the two fields of study COULD be the basis for a common ground

2) Notice the following crucial sentence in the passage

I have been increasingly impressed with the functional similarities between insect and vertebrate societies and less so with the structural differences that seem, at first glance, to constitute such an immense gulf between them. Consider for a moment termites and macaques.

So, we do have FUNCTIONAL things to share and LESS structural things. Think about a car: all cars equal, they bring you from point A to point B. They have all tires, wheels, gears or automatic gear, vans but structurally all cars are different. A Mercedes Benz is different from a Toyota.

For the difference in the structural configuration and the similarities in the functions, we COULD create a common system or unified field of study

Now, we are in the last questions.

Be always suspicious when an inference question repeats in the answer choices basically the same words of the passage. TRhey almost never will be correct because an inference question is something you find between the lines, that is not explicitly said.

(E) There are significant structural differences between insect and vertebrate societies.

Bingo is what the passage points out.

Also notice how the main idea, we do have the structural difference, and this correct answer in the #27 say exactly the same thing

I hope this helps.

Please read carefully what I wrote to understand fully the nuances of this beautiful passage

Regards

Hi Carcass,

I really liked your explanation. Can you please help me to understand that answer choice?

(E) There are significant structural differences between insect and vertebrate societies.

So, as per this choice, there are significant structural differences between insect and vertebrate societies. But as per the passage, there are structural differences but those structural differences are not so significant as they seemed to be at the first glace.

I have been increasingly impressed with the functional similarities between insect and vertebrate societies and less so with the structural differences that seem, at first glance, to constitute such an immense gulf between them.

How can I select the answer choice E, when the author says that they are not that significant?

Regards,
arorni