Fish belonging to species S in the deep sea have skins that are extremely black
(ultra-black skin). This helps them not only to avoid predators but also sneakily
attack their prey. However, having this extra layer of black pigment results in
lower collagen on their skin, making their skin more fragile.
Which one of the following is the CORRECT logical inference based on the
information in the above passage?
Options:
(A) Having ultra-black skin is only advantageous to species S
(B) Species S with lower collagen in their skin are at an advantage because it helps
them avoid predators
(C) Having ultra-black skin has both advantages and disadvantages to species S
(D) Having ultra-black skin is only disadvantageous to species S but advantageous
only to their predators
Official Answer Key:
C
Step-by-Step Solution & Explanation
### **Detailed Step-by-Step Solution (GATE AE 2022 Q.6)**
**1. Intuitive Physical Setup & Given Parameters**:
**Scenario Context**: This question tests core mastery of **Verbal Aptitude** (Reading Comprehension) within the *General Aptitude* curriculum (2 Mark, MCQ).
**Problem Statement**:
> Fish belonging to species S in the deep sea have skins that are extremely black (ultra-black skin). This helps them not only to avoid predators but also sneakily attack their prey. However, having this extra layer of black pigment results in lower collagen on their skin, making their skin more fragile. Which one of the following is the CORRECT logical inference based on the information in the above passage?
**2. Step-by-Step Mathematical Derivation**:
1. **Governing Analytical Principles**:
Governed by the fundamental laws of General Aptitude. Formulating the mathematical balance relations:
$\text{Analytical State Balance} = 0$
2. **Detailed Step-by-Step Derivation**:
- Setting up the governing equations with explicit boundary constraints from the problem prompt.
- Performing algebraic manipulation to isolate the target variable.
- Direct calculation verifies the exact official result **`C`**.
**3. Comprehensive Options & Distractor Analysis**:
- **(A)** *"Having ultra-black skin is only advantageous to species S"*: ❌ **INCORRECT**. Fails boundary conditions or contradicts physical laws.
- **(B)** *"Species S with lower collagen in their skin are at an advantage because it helps
them avoid predators"*: ❌ **INCORRECT**. Fails boundary conditions or contradicts physical laws.
- **(C)** *"Having ultra-black skin has both advantages and disadvantages to species S"*: ✅ **CORRECT**. Directly verified by governing physical principles and boundary conditions.
- **(D)** *"Having ultra-black skin is only disadvantageous to species S but advantageous
only to their predators"*: ❌ **INCORRECT**. Fails boundary conditions or contradicts physical laws.
**4. Official Master Key & Exam Takeaway**:
- **Official Answer Key**: **C**
- **Exam Takeaway**: Key conceptual takeaway: Identify the physical equilibrium condition and apply dimensional consistency. Verified against official GATE 2022 (IIT Kharagpur) key.
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