GRE General TestVerbal ReasoningHard
A recent scientific paper argues that the widespread decline in insect populations is not solely attributable to habitat loss and pesticide use, but also significantly to light pollution, which disrupts nocturnal insect behaviors such as mating and foraging. The author concludes that mitigating light pollution could be a crucial, albeit often overlooked, strategy for insect conservation. Which of the following would, if true, most weaken the author's argument?
- AA study finds that insect species already experiencing severe habitat loss are disproportionately affected by light pollution.
- BResearch indicates that the majority of insect population decline occurs in daytime-active species, which are largely unaffected by artificial light at night.
- CNew data suggests that certain types of LED streetlights are less disruptive to insect navigation than older sodium vapor lamps.
- DSeveral nocturnal insect species have shown remarkable adaptability to urban environments, including areas with high light pollution.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Research indicates that the majority of insect population decline occurs in daytime-active species, which are largely unaffected by artificial light at night.
The author argues that light pollution is a significant cause of insect decline, specifically by disrupting nocturnal behaviors. If the majority of decline is among daytime-active species (unaffected by light pollution), then light pollution's overall impact on the *widespread decline* is lessened, thus weakening the argument.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. This suggests an interaction between factors but doesn't weaken the idea that light pollution is a significant contributor to decline.
- C. This suggests a *solution* for light pollution, but it doesn't weaken the argument that light pollution *is* a problem currently contributing to decline.
- D. This shows adaptability in *some* species, but doesn't negate the overall impact on insect populations as a whole or undermine the general argument about light pollution's effect.
Reading Comprehension: Weaken Argument
Questions that ask you to identify information that would undermine or cast doubt on an author's conclusion or reasoning.
- Look for options that introduce new evidence contradicting a premise or assumption.
- The correct answer will directly challenge the link between evidence and conclusion.
- Avoid options that are irrelevant or merely suggest alternative solutions.
Memory trick: Find the fact that makes their argument crumble!