WeakenDiff: Easy
Logic Breakdown
Passage Summary: B.t. toxins are better than chemical sprays because they only kill the bad bugs and leave the good bugs, birds, and animals alone.
Conclusion: B.t. toxins are a better choice for insect pest management programs than chemical insecticides.
Reasoning: B.t. toxins are highly specific, meaning they do not harm birds or mammals and often spare the insects that naturally prey on the pests.
Analysis: The author builds a case for B.t. toxins by highlighting their environmental safety and specificity compared to broad-spectrum chemicals. To weaken this argument, we need to find a significant drawback of B.t. toxins that the author ignored, or perhaps a hidden advantage of chemical insecticides. Look for an answer that suggests B.t. toxins have a 'side effect' or limitation, such as pests developing resistance more quickly or the toxins being ineffective under certain necessary conditions.
Conclusion: B.t. toxins are a better choice for insect pest management programs than chemical insecticides.
Reasoning: B.t. toxins are highly specific, meaning they do not harm birds or mammals and often spare the insects that naturally prey on the pests.
Analysis: The author builds a case for B.t. toxins by highlighting their environmental safety and specificity compared to broad-spectrum chemicals. To weaken this argument, we need to find a significant drawback of B.t. toxins that the author ignored, or perhaps a hidden advantage of chemical insecticides. Look for an answer that suggests B.t. toxins have a 'side effect' or limitation, such as pests developing resistance more quickly or the toxins being ineffective under certain necessary conditions.
Passage Stimulus
Passage Redacted
Unlock Full Passage5.Which one of the following statements, if true, most weakens the argument?
Correct Answer
D
If insects build resistance to B.t. toxins more readily than to chemical insecticides, B.t.’s effectiveness erodes more quickly. In integrated pest management, sustained efficacy is crucial. This undercuts the conclusion that B.t. toxins are preferable overall despite their short-term advantages.
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