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705-805 (Hard)|   Strengthen|         
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GMAT Club Olympics 2025 (Day 2): Zoologist: As part of an experiment, 01 Jul 2025, 14:48
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Deconstructing Argument:

3 enclosures:
1. with distressed calf of elephant herd.
2. with distressed calf of other herd
3. empty

Majority times elephant spend time with calf from their herd than calf from other herd.
Conclusion: elephants are more motivated to care for members of their herd than for other elephants.

Pre-Thinking:
Conclusion can be strengthen by:
1. Eliminating Either any other reason that might influence their decision to care for their own species.
2. Proving distressed calf of other herd was more harmed than their own and still they cared for their herd calf.

Lets see the answers:

 A. they were encouraged by a familiar zookeeper than when they were encouraged by an unfamiliar zookeeper (if this is true, then this makes conclusion invalid as it introduces a new reason that might have influenced elephants decision.)

B. the enclosure was empty than when the enclosure contained a distressed calf from a different herd. (this might be the answer, as they are willing to spend more time in empty enclosures than with distressed calf of other herd, which indicates towards the conclusion that they are more motivated to care about their own herd)
C. a distressed calf from the elephants’ herd was in the enclosure than when a distressed calf from the elephants’ herd was visible but outside the enclosure (this says the conditions were different they were not able to reach calf from their different herd which might have influenced their decision, so this doesnt strengthen the arguement)
D. a distressed calf in the enclosure appeared interested in the approaching elephants than when the calf ignored them.(this suggests it might be the case that instead of elephant not caring about calf from other herd, the calm from other herd might not be interested to interact with elephant, so this weakens the argument that strengthen it.)
E. a distressed calf from a different herd appeared friendly toward elephants than when a distressed calf from a different herd displayed hostility (Similar to statement D)(Another reasn that could have influenced the decision)

So we can say answer is B.
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GMAT Club Olympics 2025 (Day 2): Zoologist: As part of an experiment, 01 Jul 2025, 15:00
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Bunuel
Zoologist: As part of an experiment, several mature elephants were led to three enclosures- one that contained a distressed calf from the elephant’s herd, one that contained a distressed calf from a different herd, and one that was empty. It was observed that in the majority of cases, the elephants spent more time at enclosures with the calf from their herd than they did at enclosures with the calf from a different herd. This suggests that elephants are more motivated to care for members of their herd than for other elephants.

The zoologist's argument would be most strengthened if it were true that, in the experiment, the elephants led to the enclosures tended to spend more time at the enclosures when

A. they were encouraged by a familiar zookeeper than when they were encouraged by an unfamiliar zookeeper
B. the enclosure was empty than when the enclosure contained a distressed calf from a different herd
C. a distressed calf from the elephants’ herd was in the enclosure than when a distressed calf from the elephants’ herd was visible but outside the enclosure
D. a distressed calf in the enclosure appeared interested in the approaching elephants than when the calf ignored them
E. a distressed calf from a different herd appeared friendly toward elephants than when a distressed calf from a different herd displayed hostility


 


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The argument claims elephants are more motivated to care for calves from their own herd. Choice C strengthens this by showing that elephants spent more time near the calf when it was in the enclosure than when it was just visible outside, suggesting genuine concern and an intent to help — not just curiosity or recognition. This supports the idea of motivated caring toward their own herd members.
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GMAT Club Olympics 2025 (Day 2): Zoologist: As part of an experiment, 01 Jul 2025, 16:05
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Underlying assumption of the question : Elephants are motivated to care

Option A - (Not correct) - Familiarity with zoo keeper has nothing to do with elephants motivation.
Option B - (Not correct) - Preferring isolation - hurts the assumption about elephants motivation for care.
Option C - (Correct) - Support the assumption, it showcases proximity matters.
Option D - (Not correct) - Calf's behavior's has nothing to do with elephant's motivation.
Option E - (Not correct) - Calf's behavior's has nothing to do with elephant's motivation.
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GMAT Club Olympics 2025 (Day 2): Zoologist: As part of an experiment, 01 Jul 2025, 17:54
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The correct answer is answer choice (A). Please see below for why the other answers would not work as well.

A. they were encouraged by a familiar zookeeper than when they were encouraged by an unfamiliar zookeeper
(the familiarity vs unfamiliarity is parallel to the observation of the elephants reacting to familar calves vs unfamiliar calves. If the elephant recognizes the zookeeper and spends more time, it directly is parallel to the finding about spending more time with a familar calf)

B. the enclosure was empty than when the enclosure contained a distressed calf from a different herd
(the empty status would not reinforce that elephants prefer their own herd, it would just reinforce a different conclusion that the elephants do not like calves from different herds)

C. a distressed calf from the elephants’ herd was in the enclosure than when a distressed calf from the elephants’ herd was visible but outside the enclosure

D. a distressed calf in the enclosure appeared interested in the approaching elephants than when the calf ignored them
(there were no observations about interest vs ignorance)

E. a distressed calf from a different herd appeared friendly toward elephants than when a distressed calf from a different herd displayed hostility
(there were no observations about hostility)
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GMAT Club Olympics 2025 (Day 2): Zoologist: As part of an experiment, 01 Jul 2025, 19:09
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Zoologist: As part of an experiment, several mature elephants were led to three enclosures- one that contained a distressed calf from the elephant’s herd, one that contained a distressed calf from a different herd, and one that was empty. It was observed that in the majority of cases, the elephants spent more time at enclosures with the calf from their herd than they did at enclosures with the calf from a different herd. This suggests that elephants are more motivated to care for members of their herd than for other elephants.

The zoologist's argument would be most strengthened if it were true that, in the experiment, the elephants led to the enclosures tended to spend more time at the enclosures when

A. they were encouraged by a familiar zookeeper than when they were encouraged by an unfamiliar zookeeper
Analysis: This will weaken the conclusion, since there will be other elements than the different herd.

B. the enclosure was empty than when the enclosure contained a distressed calf from a different herd
Analysis: This suggest that they preferred the empty enclosure over enclosure contained a distressed calf from a different head; if we combine this info with the premise information, we can say that " the enclosure that contained a distressed calf from a different head" were least favourable to the elephants, it means " that elephants are more motivated to care for members of their herd than for other elephants"

C. a distressed calf from the elephants’ herd was in the enclosure than when a distressed calf from the elephants’ herd was visible but outside the enclosure
Analysis: This comparison doesn't describe the distressed calf herd; it was from the same or a different herd ?.

D. a distressed calf in the enclosure appeared interested in the approaching elephants than when the calf ignored them
Analysis: Here the situation changed completely, here it's calf nature, not its herd.

E. a distressed calf from a different herd appeared friendly toward elephants than when a distressed calf from a different herd displayed hostility
Analysis: Here the situation changed completely, here it's calf nature, not its herd.
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GMAT Club Olympics 2025 (Day 2): Zoologist: As part of an experiment, 01 Jul 2025, 19:40
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A. they were encouraged by a familiar zookeeper than when they were encouraged by an unfamiliar zookeeper
It introduces the influence of a zookeeper, which could distract from the elephants' intrinsic motivation and does not relate to caring for herd members.

B. the enclosure was empty than when the enclosure contained a distressed calf from a different herd
It compares time spent at an empty enclosure versus one with a calf from a different herd, which might indicate avoidance but does not directly support active care for their own herd.

C. a distressed calf from the elephants’ herd was in the enclosure than when a distressed calf from the elephants’ herd was visible but outside the enclosure
It strengthens the argument by showing that the elephants spend more time when the distressed calf from their herd is inside the enclosure and accessible, compared to when the calf is visible but outside the enclosure. This contrast suggests that the elephants are not merely interested in observing the calf but are motivated to be near it to provide care or comfort, as accessibility allows for interaction. This supports the idea that the elephants' behavior is driven by a caring motivation specific to their herd members. CORRECT

D. a distressed calf in the enclosure appeared interested in the approaching elephants than when the calf ignored them
It focuses on the calf's interest, which could affect behavior but does not specifically reinforce the motivation to care for herd members over others.

E. a distressed calf from a different herd appeared friendly toward elephants than when a distressed calf from a different herd displayed hostility
It addresses the friendliness of a calf from a different herd, which might explain behavior toward unfamiliar elephants but does not strengthen the claim about caring for their own herd.

IMO C
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GMAT Club Olympics 2025 (Day 2): Zoologist: As part of an experiment, 01 Jul 2025, 19:49
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Premise: the elephants spent more time at enclosures with the calf from their herd than they did at enclosures with the calf from a different herd.

Goal: strengthen

A. they were encouraged by a familiar zookeeper than when they were encouraged by an unfamiliar zookeeper
Zookeeper is neither part of the herd nor a calf. Then this is not the answer since its unrelated.
B. the enclosure was empty than when the enclosure contained a distressed calf from a different herd
This an sceneario that does not compare the two comparable situations: distresed calf from the herd and disstresed calf from a unkown herd
C. a distressed calf from the elephants’ herd was in the enclosure than when a distressed calf from the elephants’ herd was visible but outside the enclosure
This confirms the premise
D. a distressed calf in the enclosure appeared interested in the approaching elephants than when the calf ignored them
does not even compare the two diferent populations of calfs
E. a distressed calf from a different herd appeared friendly toward elephants than when a distressed calf from a different herd displayed hostility
This one mixes variables that are not considered in the text, so it does not support or strenghthen the initial premise

Bunuel
Zoologist: As part of an experiment, several mature elephants were led to three enclosures- one that contained a distressed calf from the elephant’s herd, one that contained a distressed calf from a different herd, and one that was empty. It was observed that in the majority of cases, the elephants spent more time at enclosures with the calf from their herd than they did at enclosures with the calf from a different herd. This suggests that elephants are more motivated to care for members of their herd than for other elephants.

The zoologist's argument would be most strengthened if it were true that, in the experiment, the elephants led to the enclosures tended to spend more time at the enclosures when

A. they were encouraged by a familiar zookeeper than when they were encouraged by an unfamiliar zookeeper
B. the enclosure was empty than when the enclosure contained a distressed calf from a different herd
C. a distressed calf from the elephants’ herd was in the enclosure than when a distressed calf from the elephants’ herd was visible but outside the enclosure
D. a distressed calf in the enclosure appeared interested in the approaching elephants than when the calf ignored them
E. a distressed calf from a different herd appeared friendly toward elephants than when a distressed calf from a different herd displayed hostility


 


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GMAT Club Olympics 2025 (Day 2): Zoologist: As part of an experiment, 01 Jul 2025, 20:04
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A. they were encouraged by a familiar zookeeper than when they were encouraged by an unfamiliar zookeeper
Focuses on zookeeper influence (irrelevant to caring motivation).

B. the enclosure was empty than when the enclosure contained a distressed calf from a different herd
Compares empty vs. unfamiliar-calf enclosures (doesn't test herd loyalty).

C. a distressed calf from the elephants’ herd was in the enclosure than when a distressed calf from the elephants’ herd was visible but outside the enclosure
If elephants spent more time when a distressed herd calf was trapped inside an enclosure (where they could potentially help) than when the same distressed herd calf was visible but free outside the enclosure (where it doesn't need rescue) this proves their behavior is driven by active care motivation, not just curiosity or distress detection.

D. a distressed calf in the enclosure appeared interested in the approaching elephants than when the calf ignored them
Makes calf's interest the variable (shifts focus away from the elephant's intent).

E. a distressed calf from a different herd appeared friendly toward elephants than when a distressed calf from a different herd displayed hostility
Tests reactions to unfamiliar calves' behavior (not relevant to herd-specific care).

Answer C
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GMAT Club Olympics 2025 (Day 2): Zoologist: As part of an experiment, 01 Jul 2025, 20:37
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Conclusion: Elephants are more motivated to care for members from their herd than for other elephants (from other herd)
Premise: In the majority of cases, elephants spent more time at enclosures with the calf from their herd than they did at enclosures with the calf from a different herd.
Assumption: If they're from their herd, they will be motivated to care.

C. More time when the distressed calf from their own herd was inside the enclosure than when it was visible but outside
=> This highlights actual presence and need of the herd member that motivates them. Reinforces concern for herd welfare.
=> Strengthens. CORRECT.

Answer: C
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GMAT Club Olympics 2025 (Day 2): Zoologist: As part of an experiment, 01 Jul 2025, 20:48
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A. they were encouraged by a familiar zookeeper than when they were encouraged by an unfamiliar zookeeper
Zookeeper familiarity: Tests human influence, not elephant motivation.

B. the enclosure was empty than when the enclosure contained a distressed calf from a different herd
Empty vs. foreign-calf space: Measures avoidance, not caring intent.

C. a distressed calf from the elephants’ herd was in the enclosure than when a distressed calf from the elephants’ herd was visible but outside the enclosure
It isolates the elephants' motivation to provide aid by testing their reaction to the same distressed herd member in two states:
- Actionable distress (calf confined) -> More time spent = desire to assist
- Non-actionable distress (calf free) -> Less time spent = no intervention needed
This confirms the behavior is purposeful care, not passive observation.

D. a distressed calf in the enclosure appeared interested in the approaching elephants than when the calf ignored them
Calf's attentiveness: Makes the calf's behavior the focus

E. a distressed calf from a different herd appeared friendly toward elephants than when a distressed calf from a different herd displayed hostility
Foreign calf's mood: Irrelevant to herd-specific concern

Correct answer is C
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GMAT Club Olympics 2025 (Day 2): Zoologist: As part of an experiment, 01 Jul 2025, 21:02
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A. This statement introduces a new factor of zookeeper familiarity. This doesn't support the claim that elephants care for their own herd. Eliminate

B. This results shows that elephants spend more time on empty enclosures. Their behavior in the presence of calf from own herd is unknown. Zoologist claim is not supported. Eliminate

C. This would mean that the close presence of distressed calf inside the enclosure is an important factor rather than being visible far away and they tend to spend more time to care for the calf. Though it doesn't differentiate the behavior when calf from different herd is present, it strengthens zoologist claim that elephants care for their own herd members. Keep

D. This introduces calf behavior towards elephants. This doesn't explain or strengthen the fact that elephants spend more time with calf of their own herd. Eliminate

E. This only tells the behavior of distressed calf. Not supporting zoologist claim. Eliminate

Answer: C
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GMAT Club Olympics 2025 (Day 2): Zoologist: As part of an experiment, 01 Jul 2025, 21:20
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A. they were encouraged by a familiar zookeeper than when they were encouraged by an unfamiliar zookeeper
Measures human comfort, not elephant intention.

B. the enclosure was empty than when the enclosure contained a distressed calf from a different herd
It tests avoidance, not the caring impulse.

C. a distressed calf from the elephants’ herd was in the enclosure than when a distressed calf from the elephants’ herd was visible but outside the enclosure
When they spend more time only when help is feasible, they essentially confess that their motivation is active care.

D. a distressed calf in the enclosure appeared interested in the approaching elephants than when the calf ignored them
Focuses on the calf's actions, not the elephant's intention.

E. a distressed calf from a different herd appeared friendly toward elephants than when a distressed calf from a different herd displayed hostility
Addresses cross-herd reactions, not herd loyalty.

The right answer is C
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GMAT Club Olympics 2025 (Day 2): Zoologist: As part of an experiment, 01 Jul 2025, 21:34
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Bunuel
Zoologist: As part of an experiment, several mature elephants were led to three enclosures- one that contained a distressed calf from the elephant’s herd, one that contained a distressed calf from a different herd, and one that was empty. It was observed that in the majority of cases, the elephants spent more time at enclosures with the calf from their herd than they did at enclosures with the calf from a different herd. This suggests that elephants are more motivated to care for members of their herd than for other elephants.

The zoologist's argument would be most strengthened if it were true that, in the experiment, the elephants led to the enclosures tended to spend more time at the enclosures when

A. they were encouraged by a familiar zookeeper than when they were encouraged by an unfamiliar zookeeper
B. the enclosure was empty than when the enclosure contained a distressed calf from a different herd
C. a distressed calf from the elephants’ herd was in the enclosure than when a distressed calf from the elephants’ herd was visible but outside the enclosure
D. a distressed calf in the enclosure appeared interested in the approaching elephants than when the calf ignored them
E. a distressed calf from a different herd appeared friendly toward elephants than when a distressed calf from a different herd displayed hostility


 


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A. they were encouraged by a familiar zookeeper than when they were encouraged by an unfamiliar zookeeper
--> the argument is about care and familiarity of the calf of the herd vs calf of another herd. Irrelevant.

B. the enclosure was empty than when the enclosure contained a distressed calf from a different herd
--> This comparison doesn't include the herd calf. Irrelevant

C. a distressed calf from the elephants’ herd was in the enclosure than when a distressed calf from the elephants’ herd was visible but outside the enclosure
--> Correct. Spending more time in the enclosure when the distressed calf is inside the enclosure strengthens as they stay there from the motivation to care. If they don't stay in the enclosure when the calf is not there, it further strengthens as they go where the distressed calf is.

D. a distressed calf in the enclosure appeared interested in the approaching elephants than when the calf ignored them
--> The argument is about the behavior of the approaching elephants and not the calf's behavior

E. a distressed calf from a different herd appeared friendly toward elephants than when a distressed calf from a different herd displayed hostility
--> The argument is about the behavior of the approaching elephants and not the calf's behavior

IMHO Option C
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GMAT Club Olympics 2025 (Day 2): Zoologist: As part of an experiment, 01 Jul 2025, 21:47
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Zoologist: As part of an experiment, several mature elephants were led to three enclosures- one that contained a distressed calf from the elephant’s herd, one that contained a distressed calf from a different herd, and one that was empty. It was observed that in the majority of cases, the elephants spent more time at enclosures with the calf from their herd than they did at enclosures with the calf from a different herd. This suggests that elephants are more motivated to care for members of their herd than for other elephants.

The zoologist's argument would be most strengthened if it were true that, in the experiment, the elephants led to the enclosures tended to spend more time at the enclosures when

Quote:
A. they were encouraged by a familiar zookeeper than when they were encouraged by an unfamiliar zookeeper
Show more
- The familiarity to zookeeper doesn't matter.

Quote:
B. the enclosure was empty than when the enclosure contained a distressed calf from a different herd
Show more
- Empty vs unfamiliar is invalid comparison

Quote:
C. a distressed calf from the elephants’ herd was in the enclosure than when a distressed calf from the elephants’ herd was visible but outside the enclosure
Show more
- This is correct, this directly follows from the conclusion.

Quote:
D. a distressed calf in the enclosure appeared interested in the approaching elephants than when the calf ignored them
Show more
- We are not talking about the calf's behavior.

Quote:
E. a distressed calf from a different herd appeared friendly toward elephants than when a distressed calf from a different herd displayed hostility
Show more
- Again, calf's behavior is irrelevant.

Hence, the correct answer is (C)
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GMAT Club Olympics 2025 (Day 2): Zoologist: As part of an experiment, 01 Jul 2025, 21:49
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From the options mentioned, C seems to be the most strengthening one as there are 2 distress signals but the elephant is responding to the one which is in own herd. Other options like A require external intervention in some way. B does not quite strengthen the primary logic that elephants are friendly to their own herd. D and E are related to the calf and not the herd. So option C
Bunuel
Zoologist: As part of an experiment, several mature elephants were led to three enclosures- one that contained a distressed calf from the elephant’s herd, one that contained a distressed calf from a different herd, and one that was empty. It was observed that in the majority of cases, the elephants spent more time at enclosures with the calf from their herd than they did at enclosures with the calf from a different herd. This suggests that elephants are more motivated to care for members of their herd than for other elephants.

The zoologist's argument would be most strengthened if it were true that, in the experiment, the elephants led to the enclosures tended to spend more time at the enclosures when

A. they were encouraged by a familiar zookeeper than when they were encouraged by an unfamiliar zookeeper
B. the enclosure was empty than when the enclosure contained a distressed calf from a different herd
C. a distressed calf from the elephants’ herd was in the enclosure than when a distressed calf from the elephants’ herd was visible but outside the enclosure
D. a distressed calf in the enclosure appeared interested in the approaching elephants than when the calf ignored them
E. a distressed calf from a different herd appeared friendly toward elephants than when a distressed calf from a different herd displayed hostility


 


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GMAT Club Olympics 2025 (Day 2): Zoologist: As part of an experiment, 01 Jul 2025, 22:14
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Bunuel
Zoologist: As part of an experiment, several mature elephants were led to three enclosures- one that contained a distressed calf from the elephant’s herd, one that contained a distressed calf from a different herd, and one that was empty. It was observed that in the majority of cases, the elephants spent more time at enclosures with the calf from their herd than they did at enclosures with the calf from a different herd. This suggests that elephants are more motivated to care for members of their herd than for other elephants.

The zoologist's argument would be most strengthened if it were true that, in the experiment, the elephants led to the enclosures tended to spend more time at the enclosures when

A. they were encouraged by a familiar zookeeper than when they were encouraged by an unfamiliar zookeeper
B. the enclosure was empty than when the enclosure contained a distressed calf from a different herd
C. a distressed calf from the elephants’ herd was in the enclosure than when a distressed calf from the elephants’ herd was visible but outside the enclosure
D. a distressed calf in the enclosure appeared interested in the approaching elephants than when the calf ignored them
E. a distressed calf from a different herd appeared friendly toward elephants than when a distressed calf from a different herd displayed hostility


 


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GMAT Club Olympics 2025 (Day 2): Zoologist: As part of an experiment, 01 Jul 2025, 22:20
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Zoologist: As part of an experiment, several mature elephants were led to three enclosures- one that contained a distressed calf from the elephant’s herd, one that contained a distressed calf from a different herd, and one that was empty. It was observed that in the majority of cases, the elephants spent more time at enclosures with the calf from their herd than they did at enclosures with the calf from a different herd. This suggests that elephants are more motivated to care for members of their herd than for other elephants.


The passage explains result of an experiment in which mature elephants were kept in 3 different enclosures one containing distressed calf from same mature elephant herd, second containing distressed calf from other mature elephant herd and third containing none and it shows that elephants are more motivated to care towards calf from their own herd.

The question needs to find statement which strengthened the zoologist's argument. Lets analyze the statements

A. they were encouraged by a familiar zookeeper than when they were encouraged by an unfamiliar zookeeper
Passage doesn't contain any information on zookeeper. Eliminate
B. the enclosure was empty than when the enclosure contained a distressed calf from a different herd
This weakens the argument as elephants tend to spend more time in empty container which isn't true. Eliminate.
C. a distressed calf from the elephants’ herd was in the enclosure than when a distressed calf from the elephants’ herd was visible but outside the enclosure
This supports the conclusion as it clearly states that elephants are more motivated to care for their own herd calf. Keep this option as it seems correct
D. a distressed calf in the enclosure appeared interested in the approaching elephants than when the calf ignored them
Nowhere passage suggests interest of distressed calf and it doesn't support conclusion. Eliminate
E. a distressed calf from a different herd appeared friendly toward elephants than when a distressed calf from a different herd displayed hostility
Nowhere passage suggests friendly or hostility behavior of distressed calf and it doesn't support conclusion. Eliminate

Correct answer is C.
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GMAT Club Olympics 2025 (Day 2): Zoologist: As part of an experiment, 01 Jul 2025, 22:27
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A. they were encouraged by a familiar zookeeper than when they were encouraged by an unfamiliar zookeeper- zookeeper is irrelevant
B. the enclosure was empty than when the enclosure contained a distressed calf from a different herd- we need to compare same herd and different herd , not with the empty one
C. a distressed calf from the elephants’ herd was in the enclosure than when a distressed calf from the elephants’ herd was visible but outside the enclosure- this strengthens as we can compare with the same herd within the enclosure and visible outside the enclosure
D. a distressed calf in the enclosure appeared interested in the approaching elephants than when the calf ignored them- weakens
E. a distressed calf from a different herd appeared friendly toward elephants than when a distressed calf from a different herd displayed hostility - irrelevant
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GMAT Club Olympics 2025 (Day 2): Zoologist: As part of an experiment, 01 Jul 2025, 22:40
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Quote:
Zoologist: As part of an experiment, several mature elephants were led to three enclosures- one that contained a distressed calf from the elephant’s herd, one that contained a distressed calf from a different herd, and one that was empty. It was observed that in the majority of cases, the elephants spent more time at enclosures with the calf from their herd than they did at enclosures with the calf from a different herd. This suggests that elephants are more motivated to care for members of their herd than for other elephants.

The zoologist's argument would be most strengthened if it were true that, in the experiment, the elephants led to the enclosures tended to spend more time at the enclosures when
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A. they were encouraged by a familiar zookeeper than when they were encouraged by an unfamiliar zookeeper
- The familiarity to zookeeper doesn't matter.

B. the enclosure was empty than when the enclosure contained a distressed calf from a different herd
- Empty vs unfamiliar is invalid comparison

C. a distressed calf from the elephants’ herd was in the enclosure than when a distressed calf from the elephants’ herd was visible but outside the enclosure
- This is correct, this directly follows from the conclusion.

D. a distressed calf in the enclosure appeared interested in the approaching elephants than when the calf ignored them
- We are not talking about the calf's behavior.

E. a distressed calf from a different herd appeared friendly toward elephants than when a distressed calf from a different herd displayed hostility
- Again, calf's behavior is irrelevant.

Hence, the correct answer is (C)
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GMAT Club Olympics 2025 (Day 2): Zoologist: As part of an experiment, 01 Jul 2025, 22:54
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A- the experiment was about whether elephants were more motivated to care for members of their herd than for other elephants. A zookeeper is out of scope because that's not an elephant, that's a human.
B- this very much strengthens the argument as it suggests that the elephants preferred to spend more time in an empty enclosure compared to an enclosure with a calf from another herd. So they arent very motivated to care for members of other herds.
C- Doesnt strengthen, the experiment is not about the enclosure itself
D- this doesnt strengthen the argument, as it brings another variable about friendliness.
E- Same as above, it adds another different variable
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Zoologist: As part of an experiment, several mature elephants were led to three enclosures- one that contained a distressed calf from the elephant’s herd, one that contained a distressed calf from a different herd, and one that was empty. It was observed that in the majority of cases, the elephants spent more time at enclosures with the calf from their herd than they did at enclosures with the calf from a different herd. This suggests that elephants are more motivated to care for members of their herd than for other elephants.

The zoologist's argument would be most strengthened if it were true that, in the experiment, the elephants led to the enclosures tended to spend more time at the enclosures when

A. they were encouraged by a familiar zookeeper than when they were encouraged by an unfamiliar zookeeper
B. the enclosure was empty than when the enclosure contained a distressed calf from a different herd
C. a distressed calf from the elephants’ herd was in the enclosure than when a distressed calf from the elephants’ herd was visible but outside the enclosure
D. a distressed calf in the enclosure appeared interested in the approaching elephants than when the calf ignored them
E. a distressed calf from a different herd appeared friendly toward elephants than when a distressed calf from a different herd displayed hostility


 


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