hard · SAT Reading & Writing

Research into the effects of microplastics on marine zooplankton has revealed complex physiological responses. [Initial laboratory studies showed that zooplankton ingesting plastic beads experienced reduced foraging efficiency; however, later field observations indicated that some species could distinguish between plastic and organic particles under natural light.] This suggests that laboratory conditions may overestimate the impact of plastic pollution by failing to replicate the visual cues available in the ocean.

Which choice best describes the function of the underlined portion as a whole?

  1. It presents a series of findings that lead to a reconsideration of a previous scientific conclusion.
  2. It provides evidence that plastic pollution has no impact on marine zooplankton in natural environments.
  3. It explains the chemical process that allows organic particles to emit light in the ocean.
  4. It argues that zooplankton prefer eating plastic beads over organic particles when in laboratory settings.

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