▶ Your Answer :
In this set of materials, both the reading passage and the lecture deal with the function of the hammerhead shark’s unusually shaped head. The lecturer argues that the unusually shaped head of the hammerhead shark does not have any obvious edge. This contradicts the writer’s argument that the hammerhead shark’s unique head structure has a lot of merits.
First of all, according to the lecturer, because of the shark’s head shape, the hammerhead shark has some drawbacks when it comes to vision. The hammerhead sharks can see distant objects, but if some objects are put directly in front of them, they cannot see those things, which mean that they have a blind spot in vision. This counters the writer’s assertion that thanks to detached eyes, the hammerhead sharks have enhanced vision.
Moreover, the lecturer goes on to say that the hammerhead sharks do not have a better sense of smell compared to other sharks. They usually detect smells the same as other sharks and there is no study which is proven that the hammerhead sharks have a better sense of smell. This refutes the writer’s claim that because they have nostrils that are spaced apart, they have a keen sense of smell.
Lastly, the lecturer maintains that the hammerhead sharks do not use their head when steering. Instead of using their head, they use their backbone that is flexible enough to turn so quickly. This challenges the writer’s viewpoint that their unique shaped head allows them to turn quickly. |