Logic Breakdown

Passage Summary: Someone claims saving oiled otters is a waste of time because most of the ones found died, and many more likely died without being counted.

Conclusion: The effort to rehabilitate sea otters after the oil spill was not worthwhile.

Reasoning: Only a small percentage of the total affected otters survived, and the actual survival rate is likely even lower because many dead otters were never found.

Analysis: The author concludes the effort wasn't 'worthwhile' based solely on a low survival percentage. However, 'worthwhile' is a subjective term that might depend on more than just a success rate; perhaps those 222 otters were essential for the species' survival. To challenge the evidence, we should look for an answer that suggests the data provided is incomplete or that the survival of those specific otters carries more weight than the author admits.

Passage Stimulus

Passage Redacted

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6.

Which one of the following, as potential challenges, most seriously calls into question evidence offered in support of the conclusion above?

Correct Answer
B
Asking how it’s possible to estimate how many dead otters were not found directly attacks the evidentiary claim that “only a fifth” were found. If that estimation method is unreliable, the argument’s main numerical support for the effort being “not worthwhile” is weakened.
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