GMAT Focus EditionVerbal ReasoningHard
A small town is experiencing a significant decline in its squirrel population. Local residents suggest that the increasing number of feral cats in the area is the primary cause. A wildlife expert, however, posits that a recent outbreak of a squirrel-specific disease is a more likely explanation. Which of the following, if true, would most strengthen the wildlife expert's position?
- AThe squirrel decline is most pronounced in areas with minimal human interaction, where feral cats are less common.
- BThe town's feral cat population has been stable for the past five years, showing no recent increase.
- COther small mammal populations in the town, which are also prey for feral cats, have not declined.
- DLocal animal shelters have reported a significant increase in abandoned domestic cats in recent months.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. The squirrel decline is most pronounced in areas with minimal human interaction, where feral cats are less common.
The wildlife expert argues for a squirrel-specific disease. Option C strengthens this by showing that the decline is worse where feral cats are *less* common, and where a disease (which is not dependent on cat presence) could spread easily. This directly contradicts the feral cat hypothesis and supports the alternative.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. This weakens the residents' claim by challenging the premise of 'increasing numbers' of cats, but doesn't directly support the disease theory over other potential causes.
- C. This weakens the residents' claim by showing feral cats aren't impacting *all* their prey, but doesn't directly support the disease theory.
- D. An increase in abandoned cats might suggest a future increase in feral cats, but it doesn't explain the *current* squirrel decline or directly support the disease theory.
Strengthening Alternative Explanations by Contradicting Primary Cause
Providing evidence that directly undermines the proposed primary cause while simultaneously supporting an alternative explanation.
- Simultaneously weakens one hypothesis and strengthens another.
- Often involves showing the proposed primary cause is absent or weak where the effect is strong.
- Requires careful comparison of conditions.
Memory trick: If the usual suspect is innocent, look for the less obvious culprit.