When old-grow forests are cleared of tall trees, more sunlight reaches

The correct answer for this question is D. This question requires us to resolve the paradox, which means we must first identify what that paradox is. In this case, it's that the light helps the shrubs to grow, which in turn should help the mule deer. But the mule deer are worse off. We need to find an option therefore that explains why the mule deer might be worse off.

A - This gives mule-deer a digestion advantage. If anything, this actually deepens the paradox, since this being true should see better nourished deer, not worse. OUT

B - A bit tempting, but unclear. This tells us that we're likely to see a lot of 'women and children' mule deer. However, it doesn't say anything about how this might impact overall health, any judgement we make there is our own assumption. OUT

C - This information is totally irrelevant. We're looking for something that would suggest that the mule-deer will struggle, and this ain't it. OUT

D - If this statement is true, it means that more sunlight = worse digestion for mule-deer. This could actually explain the under-nourishment and therefore correctly resolves the paradox

E - If these parasites dwell in trees, then the removal of these trees should help the mule-deer further. Hence, just like option A, this one deepens the paradox. OUT

- Matoo

When old-grow forests are cleared of tall trees, more sunlight reaches the forest floor. This results in a sharp increase in the population of leafy shrubs on which the mule deer depend for food. Yet mule deer herds that inhabit cleared forests are less well-nourished than are herds living in old-growth forests.

Which one of the following, if true, most helps to resolve the apparent paradox?

(A) Mule deer have enzyme-rich saliva and specialized digestive organs that enable the deer to digest tough plants inedible to other deer species. - WRONG. Irrelevant.

(B) Mule deer herds that inhabit cleared forests tend to have more female with young offspring and fewer adult males than do other mule deer populations. - WRONG. Irrelevant.

(C) Mule deer populations are spread throughout western North America and inhabit hot, sunny climates as well as cool, wet climates. - WRONG. Irrelevant.

(D) As plants receive more sunlight, they produce higher amounts of tannins, compounds that inhibit digestion of the plants' proteins. - CORRECT. Indigestible protein causing less nourishment.

(E) Insect parasites, such as certain species of ticks, that feed primary on mule deer often dwell in trees, from which they drop onto passing deer. - WRONG. Confuses more as it gives a possible reason for what may have lead to the paradox.

Answer D.