The question asks about the reaction of Text 2's author to the characterization of sauropod neck posture in Text 1, so start with Text 1, focusing on that neck posture topic. The first sentence introduces the topic. Slow down starting with the second sentence, which is where the study is discussed: Matthew J. Cobley's 2013 study found that sauropod necks "were less flexible than previously thought" and kept horizontal to the ground. The final sentence includes a hedge: due to the lack of preserved muscle tissue from sauropods, Cobley's results are "not definitive."
Now move to Text 2, focusing on the author's view. The author notes the lack of preserved muscle tissue, but insists that it was even more important than Colbey admitted. Sauropods with "cartilage tissue" between their neck bones are able to lift their heads vertically, in contrast to the claim in Cobley's study. Finally, connect the two views. Text 2's author disagrees with Colby that sauropods lacked flexible necks. However, the final sentence in Text 2 notes that "neutral pose" for sauropods was "likely running parallel to the ground," meaning Text 2's does somewhat agree with Cobley's study that sauropods "typically [kept] their necks horizontal along the ground." Thus, Text 2's author would likely disagree with Colby on the issue of soft tissues yet also agree with some of his findings. This prediction matches (A), the correct answer.
On test day, choose (A) with confidence and move to the next question. For practice, review the remaining answer choice options. Choice (B) is incorrect because, while Text 2's author finds the study flawed, the objection discussed in the text does not include a discussion of Colbey and his team trying to definitively end the debate. Indeed, Text 1 states that Colbey hedges over the issue of soft tissues, acknowledging that the lack of preserved tissue makes the study "not definitive." Choice (C) is incorrect because Text 2's author is not dismissive of Colbey and his team, noting that they do acknowledge the soft tissue issue, but insists that soft tissues are more important than they estimated. Choice (D) is incorrect because Text 1 states why Colbey and his team are comparing the bone structure of sauropods and ostriches: both are long-necked animals, and dinosaurs and birds are related.
