Answer Explanation

@Julie, The question asks us what could we infer about the generation of water bugs hatching during the summer according to the passage. Let's look at the answer choices: (A) be made of equal numbers of macropterous and micropterous individuals Incorrect. The passage tells us that the second-generation of water bugs that hatch during the summer have fully developed wings (macropterous) (lines 24-30). (B) lay its eggs during the winter in order to expose them to cold. Incorrect. The passage tells us that the second-generation of water bugs lay eggs in the spring (lines 55-58). (C) show a marked inability to fly from one pond to another. Incorrect. The passage tells us this overwintering generation has fully-developed wings and leave the water autumn to overwinter in forests, returning in spring (lines 27-30). Clearly, if they can fly from ponds to forests, they can also fly from one pond to another. (D) exhibit genetically determined differences in wing form from the early spring-hatched generation. Incorrect. The passage tells us that the differences are a result of a developmental response to environmental condition rather than genetics (lines 16-21). (E) contain a much greater proportion of macropterous water bugs that the early spring-hatched generation. Correct. The passage tells us that early-spring hatched generation is dimorphic - some individuals have macropterous wings, and some micropterous, whereas the second, summer-hatched generation only has individuals with fully developed (macropterous) wings (lines 25-35). Does this make sense? Let me know if you have any further questions.

Thank you for the detailed explanation! It makes sense as to why (E) is correct and the others are wrong

I got thrown off by this one because the passage refers to the one's which hatch in the spring as summer ones too.