GRE Reading Comprehension
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Source: 2014
The binary planet hypothesis—that Earth and the Moon formed simultaneously by the accretion of smaller objects—does not explain why the Moon's iron core is so small relative to the Moon's total volume, compared with Earth's core relative to Earth's total volume. According to the giant-impact hypothesis, the Moon was created during a collision between Earth and a large object about the size of Mars. Computer simulations of this impact show that both of the objects would melt in the impact and the dense core of the impactor would fall as molten rock into the liquefied iron core of Earth. The ejected matter—mantle rock that had surrounded the cores of both objects—would be almost devoid of iron. This matter would become the Moon.
Which of the following best describes the organization of the passage?
- A The development of one theory into another is outlined.
- B Two explanations are provided, both of which are revealed as inadequate.
- C A theory is presented, and then evidence that undermines that theory is discussed.
- D Similarities and differences between two theories are described.
- E A flawed hypothesis is introduced, and then an alternative hypothesis is presented.