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Zorluk: ZorStrengthening Arguments

To reduce the loss of native pollinator populations, agricultural planners in Region X recommend that almond growers replace synthetic pesticides with a newly developed bio-fungicide derived from soil bacteria. The planners argue that adopting this bio-fungicide will significantly increase total annual crop yields across Region X. They base this claim on field tests showing that orchards treated with the bio-fungicide sustained 40 percent less honeybee mortality than orchards treated with synthetic alternatives.

Which of the following, if true, provides the strongest support for the agricultural planners' argument?

  1. A
    Honeybees exposed to the bio-fungicide exhibit altered foraging behaviors that reduce the number of blossoms they successfully pollinate per hour.
  2. B
    Regional almond growers who adopt eco-friendly farming techniques frequently qualify for substantial government subsidies and tax credits.
  3. The bio-fungicide is at least as effective as synthetic pesticides at controlling the fungal infections that typically cause severe almond crop losses in Region X.Cevap
  4. D
    Synthetic pesticides currently account for a larger share of regional almond farmers' operating budgets than all other crop-protection measures combined.
  5. E
    Wild honeybee populations in Region X have declined continuously over the past two decades due to habitat destruction and climate shifts.

Cevap

The argument is most strongly supported by the statement establishing that the bio-fungicide is at least as effective as synthetic pesticides at controlling fungal infections in Region X.
The conclusion asserts that replacing synthetic pesticides with bio-fungicides will increase overall crop yields because reduced honeybee mortality improves pollination. However, for total yields to increase, the bio-fungicide must also successfully perform its primary job: protecting crops against fungal disease. The correct option establishes that the bio-fungicide is at least as effective as synthetic pesticides in preventing fungal crop losses. By ruling out the possibility that fungal damage will spike and offset pollination gains, this choice provides essential support for the conclusion.

Adım Adım Çözüm

1
Analyze the argument structure
Premise: Orchards treated with bio-fungicide showed 40 percent lower honeybee mortality compared to synthetic pesticides. Conclusion: Adopting bio-fungicide will significantly increase total annual almond crop yields.
Identifying the premises and conclusion reveals the underlying logic gap between lower bee mortality and total crop yield.
2
Identify the unstated logical gap
The argument assumes that saving honeybees will raise yields without introducing new yield-reducing factors, such as failing to protect crops from fungal disease.
If the bio-fungicide fails to suppress fungal outbreaks, crop loss from disease could outweigh the pollination benefits of reduced bee mortality.
3
Evaluate the option that closes this logical gap
Confirming that the bio-fungicide matches synthetic pesticides in controlling disease removes a major potential weakness, ensuring a net yield gain.
A strengthening statement must validate key assumptions or eliminate competing explanations that would undermine the conclusion.

Anahtar Kavram

Strengthening Causal & Comparative Arguments by Ruling Out Deficits in Alternative Functions
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Konular

Strengthening Arguments

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