Question 2.

According to the passage, all of the following are true about the language instinct EXCEPT that:
A
all intelligent primates are gifted with it.
B
developments in neuroscience have increased its acceptance.
C
it confers an evolutionary reproductive advantage.
D
not all intelligent primates are gifted with it.

Question Explanation

Text Explanation

A half-century ago, this would have been pooh-poohed as a “black box” theory, since one could not actually pinpoint this grammatical faculty in a specific part of the brain, or describe its functioning. But now things are different. Neurosurgeons [have now found that this] “black box” is situated in and around Broca’s area, on the left side of the forebrain. . . .

On the other hand, the “language instinct,” when it first appeared among our most distant hominid ancestors, must have given them a selective reproductive advantage over their competitors (including the ancestral chimps). . . .

He effectively disposes of all claims that intelligent nonhuman primates like chimps have any abilities to learn and use language.

The above excerpts provide support for Options B, C, and D respectively. Option A is in direct contradiction with Option D, and hence, is the answer.

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