QUESTION TYPE: Strengthen – Exception
CONCLUSION: The northward shift of climate zones accounts for the northward shift of butterflies.
REASONING: The close correlation provides the basis for the argument. We would need more information to establish causation.
ANALYSIS: Let’s find some supporting evidence. The correct answer will either weaken or fail to support the conclusion.
___________
- Yes, this showcases the importance of temperature. It’s reasonable butterflies would follow temperature shifts.
- If their food moves with the climate, butterflies will follow.
- CORRECT. This is the credited answer, though it’s not perfect. Their adaptability means that the temperature change shouldn’t have affected them. See note below for my objections.
- This shows that the butterflies are sensitive to temperature.
- If so, then it makes sense that butterflies are following the warm zones.
Note: Now and again an answer choice will be questionable. It’s very, very uncommon, but it does occur.
Adaptability would normally mean that the butterflies simply have a large range. But at the southern end, it’s just as hot as the butterflies can bear. At the northern end, it’s almost too cold; i.e., they can survive in average temperatures from 50-90 degrees.
If temperatures shift northwards, we would still expect the butterflies to shift northwards. The fact that butterflies are adaptable should allow them to thrive in different climates within the new temperature band. If the butterflies weren’t adaptable to new geographic conditions then maybe they couldn’t follow warm temperatures north. Arguably this answer choice also strengthens the argument.
The other answers are all worse, so this is the best answer choice. I included these objections so that you’re aware that problematic answers do exist. But don’t be fooled – they’re few and far between. I have absolutely no objections to any question for which I write no note.
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