ricokevin wrote:
By competing with rodents for seeds, black ants help control rodent populations that pose a public health risk. However, a very aggressive species of black ant, the Loma ant, which has recently invaded a certain region, has a venomous sting that is often fatal to humans. Therefore, the planned introduction into that region of ant flies, which prey on Loma ants, would benefit public health.
Which of the following, if true, most strengthens the argument?
(A) Ant flies do not attack black ants other than Loma ants.
(B) Loma ants are less effective than many bird species in competing with rodents for seeds.
(C) Certain other species of black ants are more effective than Loma ants in competing with rodents for seeds.
(D) The sting of Loma ants can also be fatal to rodents.
(E) The use of pesticides to control Loma ants could have harmful effects on the environment.
ID - CR06749
Solution Passage Analysis• By competing with rodents for seeds, black ants help control rodent populations that pose a public health risk.
o Rodents are a public health risk.
o Black ants compete with rodents for seeds.
o This mechanism helps control rodent population.• However, a very aggressive species of black ant, the Loma ant, which has recently invaded a certain region,
o But, there is a very aggressive species of black ants called the Loma ant.
o Loma Ants have recently invaded a particular area.• has a venomous sting that is often fatal to humans.
o These Loma Ants have a poisonous sting that can kill humans.• Therefore, the planned introduction into that region of ant flies, which prey on Loma ants, would benefit public health.
o Ant flies prey on Loma ants.
o It is planned to introduce ant flies into the area invaded by Loma ants.
o It is concluded that this action will benefit public health.Question Stem AnalysisWhich of the following, if true, most strengthens the argument?
This is a straightforward strengthener question.PrethinkingThe conclusion we need to strengthen is that the planned introduction of ant flies into the region will benefit public health. This can be done in various ways.
Strengthener 1- Ant flies do not attack other black ants except Loma ants.
Strengthener 2- Ant flies do not attack humans / are not detrimental to humans in any way.
Answer Choice Analysis(A) Ant flies do not attack black ants other than Loma ants.
CORRECTThis is the right answer as it is in line with our prethought strengthener 2. If this statement is true, other black ants that compete with rodents are safe, thus checking the rodent population and thereby controlling the public health risk caused by rodents.
(B) Loma ants are less effective than many bird species in competing with rodents for seeds.
INCORRECT
This option does not address the introduction of ant flies. Hence it is not a relevant answer choice. (C) Certain other species of black ants are more effective than Loma ants in competing with rodents for seeds.
INCORRECT
This option does not address the introduction of ant flies. Hence it is not a relevant answer choice.
(D) The sting of Loma ants can also be fatal to rodents.
INCORRECT
We are not concerned about how Loma ants can control rodent populations. Irrespective of whether their sting is fatal to rodents, the issue is that is fatal to humans. This option effectively weakens the conclusion by trying to indicate that the entry of ant flies would remove Loma ants, which are effective in controlling rodents. (E) The use of pesticides to control Loma ants could have harmful effects on the environment.
INCORRECT
We are not concerned about the harmful effects on the environment in this scenario. We are only concerned about public health. It should be explicitly mentioned if both are connected. It also does not speak about ant flies. Hence this option is also out of scope. _________________