question:A fourteenyear study of finches on the Galapagos islands concluded that there is a definite relationship between climate and the population size of finch species that thrive at various times. During droughts, more members of large finch species survive because their bills are large enough to crack large, hard seeds, giving them a food supply unavailable to smaller birds. In rainy years, fewer members of the large finch species survive because the additional moisture fosters the growth of plants that produce small seeds. The larger finch varieties have to consume enormous numbers of small seeds to meet their energy demands, and some just cannot eat them fast enough. Which one of the following must be assumed in order to justify the conclusion that climatic variations cause a major difference in survival rates of small and large finches? A: During drought conditions, the weather promotes the growth of plants that produce small, hard seeds. B: A lengthy period of rainy weather results in fewer large, hard seeds being produced. C: In rainy periods, the small finches gather enough food to grow much larger and heavier, but their ultimate size is limited by their inability to eat small seeds fast. D: The Galapagos climate during this fourteen year period had about as much dry weather as it had wet weather. Choose A, B, C or D as your solution.

question:Certain politicians in the country of Birangi argue that a 50 percent tax on new automobiles would halt the rapid increase of automobiles on Birangi' s roads and thereby slow the deterioration of Birangi' s air quality. Although most experts agree that such a tax would result in fewer Birangians buying new vehicles and gradually reduce the number of automobiles on Birangi' s roads, they contend that it would have little impact on Birangi' s airquality problem. Which of the following, if true in Birangi, would most strongly support the experts' contention about the effect of the proposed automobile tax on Birangi's airquality problem? A: Automobiles become less fuel efficient and ttherefore contribute more to air pollution as they age. B: Currently, the sales tax on new tax on new automobiles is considerably lower than 50 percent. C: Some of the proceeds from the new tax would go toward expanding the nonpolluting commuter rail system. D: The scrapping of automobiles causes insignificant amounts of air pollution. Choose A, B, C or D as your solution.

question:Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease: white blood cells attack the myelin sheath that protects nerve fibers in the spinal cord and brain. Medical science now has a drug that can be used to successfully treat multiple sclerosis, but the path that led medical researchers to this drug was hardly straightforward. Initially, some scientists believed attacks characteristic of multiple sclerosis might be triggered by chronic viral infections. So in 1984 they began testing gamma interferon, one of the body' s own antiviral weapons. To their horror, all the multiple sclerosis patients tested became dramatically worse. The false step proved to be instructive however. Which one of the following is LEAST compatible with the results of the gamma interferon experiment? A: Gamma interferon stops white blood cells from producing myelindestroying compounds. B: Administering gamma interferon to those without multiple sclerosis causes an increase in the number of white blood cells. C: The drug now used to treat multiple sclerosis is known to inhibit the activity of gamma interferon. D: Medical researchers have discovered that the gamma interferon level in the cerebrospinal fluid skyrockets just before and during multiple sclerosis attacks. Choose A, B, C or D as your solution.

question:<b> Delta products, Inc. , has recently switched at least partly from older technologies using fossil fuels to new technologies powered by electricity </b>. The question has been raised whether it can be concluded that for a given level of output, Delta' s operation now causes less fossil fuel to be consumed than it did formerly. The answer, clearly, is yes, since <b> the amount of fossil fuel used to generate the electricity needed to power the new technologies is less than the amount needed to power the older technologies, provided that the level of output is held constant. </b> In the argument given, the two boldface portions play which of the following roles? A: The first identifies the content of the conclusion of the argument; the second provides support for that conclusion B: Each provides evidence that calls the conclusion of the argument into question. C: Each provides support for the conclusion of the argument D: The first states the position that the argument opposes; the second states the conclusion of the argument Choose A, B, C or D as your solution.