Answer: BQuote:
A grain-processing company is considering purchasing a catfish farm in an attempt to reduce waste by using the by-products of its grain processing as fish food. Catfish whose diet includes grain by-products have been found to reach marketable size in five months, and restaurants have expressed interest in having a reliable source for catfish.
The answer to which of the following questions is LEAST directly relevant to the grain-processing company’s consideration of whether fish farming is a preferable alternative to discarding grain byproducts?
Breaking down the argument-
A grain company is considering to buy a catfish farm because catfishes feed on by-product produced from grain processing.
In five months, catfish can reach to marketable size and thus the byproducts, which would have to be dumped somehow are getting in use to raise catfishes which can then be sold on market as there is great demand already.
In question stimulus, we are asked to identify the least relevant question.
If the question somehow relates to the whole scenario and the answer can affect the company's decision, we will have to categorize it as Relevant.
Otherwise, we can state it as irrelevant or least relevant...
Quote:
(A) How does the cost of discarding grain by-products compare to the operating costs of a fish farm?
If the cost of discarding grain by-product is almost zero and operating costs of farm burn a hole in company's pocket, they might re-evaluate their decision and vice-versa.
So we can consider this question to be relevant.
Quote:
(B) How many pounds of catfish are served by restaurants locally and nationally each year?
Even if we have the data for catfish served each year, what can company do about it?
All we know is that demand is increasing for a reliable source of catfish among restaurants. We don't care how much catfish is served nationally or internationally. It might be a tourist destination which has the specialty for catfish.
Whatever be the case, It could not affect the grain company's consideration about the catfish farm.
It is Irrelevant or least relevant
Quote:
(C) Are there government regulations that apply to the production and transportation of fish?
If there are some government regulations on who is permitted to produce and transport fish or there is some kind of limit or there are some legal obligations to comply for, then the company might need to re-evaluate their decision on how to go about it.
So, this question is Relevant.
Quote:
(D) Do catfish require nutrients not supplied by grain by-products?
If catfishes do require some nutrients which are not supplied by grain by-products, then company might need to consider the costs associated with that also. Maybe they are expensive to transport or not available in their locality. This might led company to re-evaluate their decision.
This question is Relevant.
Quote:
(E) In how many months do wild catfish reach marketable size?
If the catfishes require a 5 years to reach to market size, the company might not feel like putting much resources for such long time but instead if catfishes get ready in 1 month, the company might get suitable profits. This question might put company into thinking mode.
This question is Relevant.