▶ Your Answer : In the given set of information, both the reading passage and the lecture deal with the benefits of the hammerhead shark's head. The lecturer casts doubt on the author's assertion that it has evolutionary advantages by presenting three compelling counterarguments.
First of all, according to the reading passage, the hammerhead shark's head enhances its vision because it can see 360-degree field of view. However, the lecturer refutes the passage by stating that the author's claim is disputable. To be specific, it is possible only when objects are distant. The shark has great depth perception but it can not see anything right in front of it. Therefore, it is hard to capture its preys if they are located at very close distance.
Next, the author claims that the shark's unique head makes it smell better than other kind of sharks because its nostrils are spaced far apart. Regarding this point, the lecturer indicates that the idea is unconvincing. This is because it is not true the hammerhead shark has better sense of smell than others. In other word, there is no proven proof that its ability of smelling is better than others.
Lastly, the speaker also has criticizes the reading's final point that the distinct shape of the hammerhead enable it to turn quickly when it moves. He argues that it virtually does not use its head for steering by mentioning a study conducted by some scientists. According to the study, it has turned out that the real reason of the ability to turn easily is flexible backbone, not the head's shape. |