Reading: Multiple Choice, Single Answer · Part 2: Reading

In nearly all human populations a majority of…

15 students marked "I sat this"Question #081027

Choose the one correct answer.

In nearly all human populations a majority of individuals can taste the artificially synthesized chemical phenylthiocarbonide (PTC). However, the percentage varies dramatically–from as low as 60% in India to as high as 95% in Africa. That this polymorphism is observed in non-human primates as well indicates a long evolutionary history which, although obviously not acting on PTC, might reflect evolutionary selection for taste discrimination of other, more significant bitter substances, such as certain toxic plants.

Which of the following provides the most reasonable explanation for the assertion in the paragraph that evolutionary history “obviously” did not act on PTC?

  1. APTC is not a naturally occurring chemical but rather has been produced only recently by scientists.
  2. BVariability among humans respecting PTC discrimination, like variability respecting earwax, cannot be explained in terms of evolutionary adaptivity.
  3. CMost humans lack sufficient taste sensitivity to discriminate between PTC and bitter chemicals occurring naturally.
  4. DUnlike non-human primates, humans can discriminate intellectually between toxic and non-toxic bitter substances.
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Reading: Multiple Choice, Single Answer format (Pearson)

Pearson's name: Multiple Choice, Single Answer

PromptText up to 110 words
Time to answerNot set per question (Part 2 lasts 23–30 minutes)
Skills assessedReading

How it is scored

  • Scored as either correct or incorrect.

Source: Pearson, PTE Academic & UKVI test format, Part 2: Reading, checked 9 October 2026.