Question

It can reasonably be inferred from the passage and graphic that if scientists adjusted the coils to reverse the magnetic field simulating that in the East Atlantic (Cape Verde Islands), the hatchlings would most likely swim in which direction?

• A. Northwest
• B. Southeast
• C. Northeast
• D. Southwest

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

The correct option is B Northeast
Option B is the correct answer because it is clearly mentioned in the sixth paragraph of the passage that "if the field simulated the west Atlantic near Puerto Rico, the turtles swam northeast. If the field matched that on the eastern Atlantic near the Cape Verde Islands, the turtles swam southwest". Now, the question is in which direction the hatchlings would swim if scientists adjusted the coils to 'reverse' the magnetic field simulating that in the East Atlantic and change to that of the West Atlantic. Hence the correct answer is "northeast" as can be inferred from the above-quoted lines.

Options A, C and D are incorrect because these are not supported by the given passage and graph.