social learning - difficult one

[StephanieThao]

Agree. D is clear.

Originally Posted by Fiver

A & B are not covered in the passage.
C & E state the reverse of what is stated in the passage.

D is clear.

[gmat740]

Guys,

What would be the answer for this question.

The primary purpose of the passage is to discuss the
A. techniques used in certain experiments on social learning in birds
B. reasons for the differences between social learning in birds and in mammals
C. question of how social learning manifests itself in birds
D. basis for a widespread belief about a difference in behavior between birds and mammals
E. possible reasons why birds may or may not learn from each other in a particular way

[shelza]

Is it D?

Heres my 2 cents:

Author first talks about difference in social learning in avian and nonavian species, namely, tht nonavian show social learning for palatable foods, whereas avian show the same for unpalatable foods..The basis of the belief is that nonavian species have not shown behavior similar to avians so far

However, the new experiments show that hens(avian) can display more social learnability where palatable food is concerned, ..thus, refuting the belief tht avians always behave in a particular set of ways, which is different from nonavians

[Meggieski]

I'd say E although it doesnt seem like they are talking about the demonstrator hens.. but the observer hens? The only way I'd say D would be wrong is that it leaves out the other half of the experiment? Maybe too narrow in scope? God I hate reading comprehension.

[hitman4683v1]

Surely D.."Even when demonstrator
hens reacted with
obvious disgust to a specific
food, via vigorous head
(60) shaking and bill wiping,"

A, B and C are obviously neglected since they all are opposite/reverse of what is stated.
Option E goes bad when it says "the hens reacted less obviosuly to noxios foods than to palatable foods"
The reaction to palatable foods is either way not shown while the reaction to noxious foods is said to be one of "disgust"