The author suggests that which of the

The author suggests that which of the following is a disadvantage that results from the location of a snake's heart in close proximity to its head?

1 Explanation

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Joo Hyun Oh

I can see that (E) is the best answer among the five answer choices for this question, which should be enough for (E) to be the answer.

However, I am still questioning why more effort is required to distribute blood both TO and FROM the snake's tail...the passage states that "blood circulated to the tail of the snake travel greater distance back to the heart", meaning the problem is sending blood FROM the tail to the heart, but not necessarily TO the tail. Towards the end of the passage it is also stated that muscle contractions "improve the flow of venous blood RETURNING TO the heart". So I believe (E) should rather be only "from the snake's tail" than "to and from the snake's tail"...

I'd really appreciate some help here. Thank you :)

Jun 30, 2015 • Comment

Jonathan , Magoosh Tutor

Joo Hyun, I agree with you -- the passage doesn't really make clear whether circulation TO the tail is a problem. Nice critical reading :) So this is a case in which the best answer is not perfect.

Jul 10, 2015 • Reply