Necessary AssumptionDiff: Hardest
Logic Breakdown
Passage Summary: Since bug-killing sprays hurt animals and new lab-grown crops don't need those sprays, switching to these crops should help the animals bounce back.
Conclusion: Using genetically engineered crops more widely will likely help wildlife populations recover.
Reasoning: These crops do not require insecticide spraying, and it is the excessive spraying of insecticides that has been harming the local wildlife.
Analysis: The farmer assumes that the genetically engineered crops themselves aren't just as bad for the wildlife as the insecticides were. If the toxins produced by the plants to kill pests also happen to kill the local birds or bees, the 'recovery' won't happen. Look for an answer that rules out other negative effects of these crops on wildlife; the argument needs these crops to be a net positive compared to the current situation.
Conclusion: Using genetically engineered crops more widely will likely help wildlife populations recover.
Reasoning: These crops do not require insecticide spraying, and it is the excessive spraying of insecticides that has been harming the local wildlife.
Analysis: The farmer assumes that the genetically engineered crops themselves aren't just as bad for the wildlife as the insecticides were. If the toxins produced by the plants to kill pests also happen to kill the local birds or bees, the 'recovery' won't happen. Look for an answer that rules out other negative effects of these crops on wildlife; the argument needs these crops to be a net positive compared to the current situation.
Passage Stimulus
Passage Redacted
Unlock Full Passage26.Which one of the following is an assumption the farmer's argument requires?
Correct Answer
A
Correct. The argument requires that using GE insect-resistant crops in place of sprayed crops will harm wildlife less overall. If that is false, then wider GE use would not be likely to help wildlife recover.
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