16Hit1600
Expression of IdeasVery hardSynthesis: a parasite over pesticides

Expression of Ideas practice question

While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes: - Bird species X has declined by 60 percent since 1990. - Pesticide use rose over the same period. - A parasite was first recorded in species X in 1995. - Regions with no pesticide use show the same decline. - The parasite is found in 80 percent of dead birds examined.

The student wants to argue that the parasite, not pesticides, is the likelier cause of the decline. Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish this goal?

  1. A. Regions with no pesticide use show the same 60 percent decline, whereas the parasite, first recorded in 1995, is found in 80 percent of the dead birds examined.Correct
  2. B. Pesticide use rose while the species declined.
  3. C. Species X has declined by 60 percent since 1990.
  4. D. A parasite was first recorded in species X in 1995.

Answer: A. Regions with no pesticide use show the same 60 percent decline, whereas the parasite, first recorded in 1995, is found in 80 percent of the dead birds examined.

Pesticides fail the test; the parasite passes it.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. Pesticide use rose while the species declined.
Favours pesticides.
C. Species X has declined by 60 percent since 1990.
The decline, no cause.
D. A parasite was first recorded in species X in 1995.
The parasite without the evidence.

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