In 1873, Spanish scientist Santiago Ramón y Cajal observed that brain fibers have distinct boundaries with clear end points, a

Question

In 1873, Spanish scientist Santiago Ram&oacute;n y Cajal observed that brain fibers have distinct boundaries with clear end points, a finding that went against earlier assumptions about the brain. ______ blank scientists had assumed that the brain was a continuous web of fused fibers, not a vast network of distinct, individual cells. Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?

Accepted Answer

Choice B is the best answer. &ldquo;Previously&rdquo; logically signals that the fused fiber theory came before Ram&oacute;n y Cajal&rsquo;s discovery. Choice A is incorrect. &ldquo;However&rdquo; illogically signals that the fused fiber theory in this sentence contrasts with the information in the previous sentence. While this theory does contrast with Ram&oacute;n y Cajal&rsquo;s discovery, the previous sentence concludes by stating that his discovery went against prior assumptions about the brain. The fact that the fused fiber theory was one of those earlier assumptions makes &ldquo;however&rdquo; an illogical choice. Choice C is incorrect because &ldquo;as a result&rdquo; illogically signals that the fused fiber theory in this sentence was a result of the discovery in the previous sentence. Instead, the fused fiber theory came before Ram&oacute;n y Cajal&rsquo;s discovery. Choice D is incorrect because &ldquo;likewise&rdquo; illogically signals that the fused fiber theory in this sentence was similar to the discovery in the previous sentence. Instead, the fused fiber theory, which came before Ram&oacute;n y Cajal&rsquo;s discovery, was very different from it.

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