Who invented the first modern adhesive tape that later led to well known commercial tapes?

Introduction / Context:
Adhesive tape is a very common household and industrial product, but its development required clever materials engineering. This question focuses on who invented the first modern adhesive tape, a contribution tied to Richard Gurley Drew of 3M. Understanding which inventions belong to which individuals helps in tackling the inventions and discoveries section of general knowledge exams.

Given Data / Assumptions:
• The subject is the first modern adhesive tape.
• Options include Richard Gurley Drew, Alexander Graham Bell, James Rineose, and Caresse Crosby.
• We assume the question refers to masking tape and later transparent tape developments done at 3M in the twentieth century.

Concept / Approach:
The approach is to connect each name with a known major achievement. Alexander Graham Bell is linked to the telephone, not adhesive tape. Caresse Crosby is associated with early modern brassiere designs. James Rineose is not a widely known name in standard GK lists. Richard Gurley Drew, on the other hand, is well known for inventing masking tape and then transparent cellophane tape at 3M. Therefore, the correct match for the first adhesive tape is Drew.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Focus on the phrase first adhesive tape and think of twentieth century office and industrial products.
Step 2: Recall that 3M, a materials company, developed masking tape and Scotch transparent tape, with Richard Gurley Drew as a key inventor.
Step 3: Recognise that Alexander Graham Bell is famous for the telephone and work on communication technology.
Step 4: Note that Caresse Crosby is remembered for contributions to early brassiere design, not to adhesive materials.
Step 5: Conclude that among the given options, Richard Gurley Drew is the inventor of the first modern adhesive tape.

Verification / Alternative check:
You can verify this by recalling that history of 3M often highlights Drew as the man who invented masking tape in response to problems faced by automobile painters. Later, he developed transparent cellulose tape. These products are considered the first widely used adhesive tapes. The absence of any tape related achievements for Bell or Crosby strongly confirms that they are not correct for this question.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Alexander Graham Bell is wrong because he worked on the telephone and related communication devices. James Rineose is not recognised in mainstream general knowledge as an adhesive tape inventor. Caresse Crosby is linked with early brassiere inventions and fashion, not tape. Therefore, they do not match the description of the inventor who developed the first modern adhesive tape used in painting and packaging.

Common Pitfalls:
A frequent issue is unfamiliarity with Richard Gurley Drew's name, which may lead learners to guess based only on recognition of Alexander Graham Bell. However, famous inventors like Bell are often used as distractors. To avoid such errors, students should memorise a core list of inventors for everyday items such as tape, safety razor, refrigerator, and so on. This targeted preparation makes questions like this quick and easy marks in any exam.

Final Answer:
The first modern adhesive tape was invented by Richard Gurley Drew.