Cosmologist: **Astrophysicists long operated under the assumption that the dark matter halos enclosing spiral galaxies were geometrically spherical in

Question

Cosmologist: **Astrophysicists long operated under the assumption that the dark matter halos enclosing spiral galaxies were geometrically spherical in structure.** However, ultra-high-resolution gravitational lensing measurements of fifty nearby galaxies have recently revealed pronounced prolate and triaxial distortions in their outer galactic halos. **It follows that existing cosmological N-body simulations must be comprehensively overhauled to account for non-isotropic halo geometries.**

In the cosmologist's argument, the two portions in boldface play which of the following roles?

Accepted Answer

The first describes an established scientific belief whose validity is being challenged; the second is the main conclusion established by the argument.

Answer

The first is an empirical observation that supports the argument; the second is a prediction that the argument rejects.

Answer

The first is an intermediate conclusion drawn from experimental data; the second provides empirical context for that conclusion.

Answer

The first is a premise that contradicts the cosmologist's hypothesis; the second is a subsidiary claim that reconciles the contradiction.

Answer

The first is a general principle accepted by the cosmologist; the second is an exception to that principle.

Practice More GMAT Focus Critical Reasoning Questions

More Critical Reasoning Questions in GMAT Focus

Practice More GMAT Focus Critical Reasoning Questions

More Critical Reasoning Questions in GMAT Focus