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Most known exoplanets lie too far from Earth to be observed directly and must instead be identified using indirect detection methods, such as measuring starlight distortions or subtle gravitational wobbles.

However, these methods can generate reliable signal data only if the planet’s host star emits light in stable and consistent patterns over time.

Therefore, few exoplanets are likely to produce detectable signals that can be consistently detected unless they are close enough to Earth to be observed directly.

The conclusion above follows logically if which of the following is assumed?

A. Indirect detection methods are less reliable than direct observation when gathering data about planetary atmospheres.
This is rather an inference drawn from the argument above than an assumption.
Incorrect

B. There are no alternative methods of detecting reliable signal data from exoplanets other than through shifts in starlight distortions or gravitational wobbles
The argument is not concerned with alternative methods of detecting reliable signal data from exoplanets. This is an additional information and does not impact the conclusion.
Incorrect

C. Reliable interpretation of signal-related data depends more on the characteristics of the host star than on the exoplanet itself.
This is an inference derived from the argument than an assumption. Still it is not clear whether reliable interpretation of signal-related data depends more on the characteristics of the host star than on the exoplanet itself or not.
Incorrect

D. Exoplanets orbiting stars with consistent emission patterns are less common than those orbiting stars with inconsistent emissions.
If exoplanets orbiting stars with consistent emission patterns are more common than those orbiting stars with inconsistent emissions, then more exoplanets are likely to produce detectable signals that can be consistently detected. If the assumption is negated the conclusion falls apart.
Correct

E. Some exoplanets orbit stars with stable emissions but still fail to produce reliably detectable signals.
There is always a possibility that some exoplanets orbit stars with stable emissions but still fail to produce reliably detectable signals, but still does not impact the conclusion completely.
Incorrect

IMO D
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Premise: Exoplanets lie too far from Earth can be identified using indirect detection methods, such as measuring starlight distortions or subtle gravitational wobbles, if the planet’s host star emits light in stable and consistent patterns over time

Conclusion: Few exoplanets are likely to produce detectable signals that can be consistently detected

The conclusion states only few exoplanets can be detected. Why more or all the exoplanets can't be detected?

A. Thought indirect detection methods are less reliable, direct observation of far exoplanets is not possible. This is just a statement about the detection methods, not an assumption for the conclusion. Eliminate

B. Still it does not explain why most exoplanets are likely to be undetectable. Eliminate

C. It is an information already presented explicitly in the argument. Eliminate

D. This explains clearly why only few exoplanets are likely to be detected using indirect methods. This assumption justifies the conclusion of the argument. Correct

E. This actually weakens the argument. Even with stable emissions, reliably detectable signals are not guaranteed. Eliminate

Answer: D
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Bunuel
Most known exoplanets lie too far from Earth to be observed directly and must instead be identified using indirect detection methods, such as measuring starlight distortions or subtle gravitational wobbles. However, these methods can generate reliable signal data only if the planet’s host star emits light in stable and consistent patterns over time. Therefore, few exoplanets are likely to produce detectable signals that can be consistently detected unless they are close enough to Earth to be observed directly.

The conclusion above follows logically if which of the following is assumed?

A. Indirect detection methods are less reliable than direct observation when gathering data about planetary atmospheres.
B. There are no alternative methods of detecting reliable signal data from exoplanets other than through shifts in starlight distortions or gravitational wobbles
C. Reliable interpretation of signal-related data depends more on the characteristics of the host star than on the exoplanet itself.
D. Exoplanets orbiting stars with consistent emission patterns are less common than those orbiting stars with inconsistent emissions.
E. Some exoplanets orbit stars with stable emissions but still fail to produce reliably detectable signals.


 


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The conclusion: Therefore, few exoplanets are likely to produce detectable signals that can be consistently detected unless they are close enough to Earth to be observed directly.

Premise: . However, these methods can generate reliable signal data only if the planet’s host star emits light in stable and consistent patterns over time

In other words few exoplanets are likely to produce detectable signals as the host star in this planets do not emit light in stable and consistent patterns over time.

The question is about the assumption that should logically follow for the conclusion to be true. In other words which of the option strengthens the logic of the conclusion

Option C Reliable interpretation of signal-related data depends more on the characteristics of the host star than on the exoplanet itself is about the premise.

Option A: Indirect detection methods are less reliable than direct observation when gathering data about planetary atmospheres. is an extreme conclusion not made in the passage.

Option B There are no alternative methods of detecting reliable signal data from exoplanets other than through shifts in starlight distortions or gravitational wobbles. Option B is an inference from the conclusion. It can be inferred albeit it was not explicitly stated in the passage. However, the conclusion is talking about the ability to detect exoplanets that lie far from the earth using the 2 indirect detection methods stated in the passage. There might be more indirect detection methods.

Option D Exoplanets orbiting stars with consistent emission patterns are less common than those orbiting stars with inconsistent emissions. is most appropriate. because using the 2 indirect methods starlight distortions or subtle gravitational wobbles only few exoplanets that lie far from the earth would be observed because only few planets have the characteristics required to apply the indirect methods listed in the passage.

Option E Some exoplanets orbit stars with stable emissions but still fail to produce reliably detectable signals. negates the premise.

Thus Option D is the answer.
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Premise : Exoplanets lie too far from earth and must be identified using indirect methods => Methods are reliable only if the planet’s host star emits light in stable and consistent patterns over time => Therefore, few exoplanets are likely to be detected by indirect methods

A) we are not comparing direct and indirect detection methods
B) there could be alternatives as it is not mentioned that there are only two methods, however there could be several reasons for them not being so popular such as, those methods could be very expensive.
C) it is already mentioned that reliability of data depends more on the characteristics of the host star
D) correct, this explains why few exoplanets likely to produce detectable signals
E) not applicable
Bunuel
Most known exoplanets lie too far from Earth to be observed directly and must instead be identified using indirect detection methods, such as measuring starlight distortions or subtle gravitational wobbles. However, these methods can generate reliable signal data only if the planet’s host star emits light in stable and consistent patterns over time. Therefore, few exoplanets are likely to produce detectable signals that can be consistently detected unless they are close enough to Earth to be observed directly.

The conclusion above follows logically if which of the following is assumed?

A. Indirect detection methods are less reliable than direct observation when gathering data about planetary atmospheres.
B. There are no alternative methods of detecting reliable signal data from exoplanets other than through shifts in starlight distortions or gravitational wobbles
C. Reliable interpretation of signal-related data depends more on the characteristics of the host star than on the exoplanet itself.
D. Exoplanets orbiting stars with consistent emission patterns are less common than those orbiting stars with inconsistent emissions.
E. Some exoplanets orbit stars with stable emissions but still fail to produce reliably detectable signals.


 


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Bunuel
Most known exoplanets lie too far from Earth to be observed directly and must instead be identified using indirect detection methods, such as measuring starlight distortions or subtle gravitational wobbles. However, these methods can generate reliable signal data only if the planet’s host star emits light in stable and consistent patterns over time. Therefore, few exoplanets are likely to produce detectable signals that can be consistently detected unless they are close enough to Earth to be observed directly.

The conclusion above follows logically if which of the following is assumed?

A. Indirect detection methods are less reliable than direct observation when gathering data about planetary atmospheres.
B. There are no alternative methods of detecting reliable signal data from exoplanets other than through shifts in starlight distortions or gravitational wobbles
C. Reliable interpretation of signal-related data depends more on the characteristics of the host star than on the exoplanet itself.
D. Exoplanets orbiting stars with consistent emission patterns are less common than those orbiting stars with inconsistent emissions.
E. Some exoplanets orbit stars with stable emissions but still fail to produce reliably detectable signals.


 


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A. Indirect detection methods are less reliable than direct observation when gathering data about planetary atmospheres.

INCORRECT: No such mention of information in the passage. We can eliminate A.

B. There are no alternative methods of detecting reliable signal data from exoplanets other than through shifts in starlight distortions or gravitational wobbles

INCORRECT: The passage talks about only one method. Hence, the presence or absence of alternative methods is not an assumption.

C. Reliable interpretation of signal-related data depends more on the characteristics of the host star than on the exoplanet itself.

INCORRECT: Out of scope and not an assumption. We can eliminate C.


D. Exoplanets orbiting stars with consistent emission patterns are less common than those orbiting stars with inconsistent emissions.

CORRECT: The conclusion is solely based on the fact that few exoplanets would be discovered and the indirect detection method can generate reliable signal data only if the planet’s host star emits light in stable and consistent patterns over time. As per the flow of the argument the information in option D is an assumption.

E. Some exoplanets orbit stars with stable emissions but still fail to produce reliably detectable signals.

INCORRECT: Out of scope and not an assumption. We can eliminate E.


Option D
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Most known exoplanets lie too far from Earth to be observed directly and must instead be identified using indirect detection methods (Direct is not feasible), such as measuring starlight distortions or subtle gravitational wobbles. However, these methods can generate reliable signal data only if the planet’s host star emits light in stable and consistent patterns over time (Necessary Condition). Therefore, few exoplanets are likely to produce detectable signals that can be consistently detected (Assuming) unless they are close enough to Earth to be observed directly.

The conclusion above follows logically if which of the following is assumed?

A. Indirect detection methods are less reliable than direct observation when gathering data about planetary atmospheres.

The planetary atmospheres are not being talked about here; otherwise, this choice makes sense.

B. There are no alternative methods of detecting reliable signal data from exoplanets other than through shifts in starlight distortions or gravitational wobbles

Nowhere in the passage was it mentioned. Irrelevant.

C. Reliable interpretation of signal-related data depends more on the characteristics of the host star than on the exoplanet itself.

This is addressing the necessary condition of the passage. Correct Answer.

D. Exoplanets orbiting stars with consistent emission patterns are less common than those orbiting stars with inconsistent emissions.

"Few" has already been mentioned in the passage, Irrelevant.

E. Some exoplanets orbit stars with stable emissions but still fail to produce reliably detectable signals.

Again, same as D, Irrelevant.
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The Answer is C

The stem states that indirect detection methods can generate reliable signal data only if the planet’s host star emits light in stable and consistent patterns over time. Hence it lays greater significance on host star than the exoplanet itself. The option C states exactly that Reliable interpretation of signal-related data depends more on the characteristics of the host star than on the exoplanet itself.
A-Indirect detection methods are less reliable than direct observation when gathering data about planetary atmospheres is not the necessary assumption here to conclude the proximity of exoplanets to earth for producing detectable signals.
B-There are no alternative methods of detecting reliable signal data from exoplanets other than through shifts in starlight distortions or gravitational wobbles. is irrelevant
D. Exoplanets orbiting stars with consistent emission patterns are less common than those orbiting stars with inconsistent emissions-is not relevant to the conclusion
E-Some exoplanets orbit stars with stable emissions but still fail to produce reliably detectable signals.- is not relevant for assumption to be made. It is also already stated in the premise.
Hence C is correct
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A. Indirect detection methods are less reliable than direct observation when gathering data about planetary atmospheres. -it is given that exoplanets cannot be found with direct observation irrelevant
B. There are no alternative methods of detecting reliable signal data from exoplanets other than through shifts in starlight distortions or gravitational wobbles-out of scope doesn't say anything about why few are detectible
C. Reliable interpretation of signal-related data depends more on the characteristics of the host star than on the exoplanet itself. - again why are few detectible so this gives us info about premise
D. Exoplanets orbiting stars with consistent emission patterns are less common than those orbiting stars with inconsistent emissions.- correct , this gives us the reason for our conclusion that some less common star with inconsistent emissions so this can cause the detection
E. Some exoplanets orbit stars with stable emissions but still fail to produce reliably detectable signals.-undermining the premise
IMO:D
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A. Indirect detection methods are less reliable than direct observation when gathering data about planetary atmospheres.
The argument is about detecting signal data from exoplanets, not specifically atmospheric data.

B. There are no alternative methods of detecting reliable signal data from exoplanets other than through shifts in starlight distortions or gravitational wobbles
Negation Test: If other methods did exist, then even with unstable stars, many exoplanets might still be detectable. Conclusion fails. CORRECT

C. Reliable interpretation of signal-related data depends more on the characteristics of the host star than on the exoplanet itself.
The conclusion is about detectability, not about whether star or planet matters more.

D. Exoplanets orbiting stars with consistent emission patterns are less common than those orbiting stars with inconsistent emissions.
This would strengthen the conclusion statistically, but it's not logically required.

E. Some exoplanets orbit stars with stable emissions but still fail to produce reliably detectable signals.
The conclusion is that few are detectable, not that none are. This doesn't necessarily strengthen the conclusion. It just adds that some stable cases still fail.

IMO B
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Conclusion:
Therefore, few exoplanets are likely to produce detectable signals that can be consistently detected unless they are close enough to Earth to be observed directly.

Let’s evaluate the options to find the assumption which best describes the conclusion to hold.

A. Indirect detection methods are less reliable than direct observation when gathering data about planetary atmospheres.
- Irrelevant.

B. There are no alternative methods of detecting reliable signal data from exoplanets other than through shifts in starlight distortions or gravitational wobbles
- It supports the premise, but this doesn’t explain why few exoplanets can be detected.

C. Reliable interpretation of signal-related data depends more on the characteristics of the host star than on the exoplanet itself.
- This seems relevant, but it doesn’t bridge the gap, why few exoplanets can be detected.

D. Exoplanets orbiting stars with consistent emission patterns are less common than those orbiting stars with inconsistent emissions.
- This makes sense. If few stars have consistent emissions & they are rare. This will fill the gap for logic in passage to follow.

E. Some exoplanets orbit stars with stable emissions but still fail to produce reliably detectable signals.
- This is opposite to D & given logic

Ans: D


Bunuel
Most known exoplanets lie too far from Earth to be observed directly and must instead be identified using indirect detection methods, such as measuring starlight distortions or subtle gravitational wobbles. However, these methods can generate reliable signal data only if the planet’s host star emits light in stable and consistent patterns over time. Therefore, few exoplanets are likely to produce detectable signals that can be consistently detected unless they are close enough to Earth to be observed directly.

The conclusion above follows logically if which of the following is assumed?

A. Indirect detection methods are less reliable than direct observation when gathering data about planetary atmospheres.
B. There are no alternative methods of detecting reliable signal data from exoplanets other than through shifts in starlight distortions or gravitational wobbles
C. Reliable interpretation of signal-related data depends more on the characteristics of the host star than on the exoplanet itself.
D. Exoplanets orbiting stars with consistent emission patterns are less common than those orbiting stars with inconsistent emissions.
E. Some exoplanets orbit stars with stable emissions but still fail to produce reliably detectable signals.


 


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Most known exoplanets lie too far from Earth to be observed directly and must instead be identified using indirect detection methods, such as measuring starlight distortions or subtle gravitational wobbles. However, these methods can generate reliable signal data only if the planet’s host star emits light in stable and consistent patterns over time. Therefore, few exoplanets are likely to produce detectable signals that can be consistently detected unless they are close enough to Earth to be observed directly.

The passage explains that distant exoplanets can't be observed directly and can only be observed through indirect techniques of starlight distortions or subtle gravitational wobbles. But these methods need host star stable light in consistent pattern.
So the passage concludes only few exoplanets produce detectable signals which can be consistently detected or they can be observed directly.

The conclusion above follows logically if which of the following is assumed? Lets analyze statements

A. Indirect detection methods are less reliable than direct observation when gathering data about planetary atmospheres.
This is not presented in the passage anc can't be followed from passage. Eliminate

B. There are no alternative methods of detecting reliable signal data from exoplanets other than through shifts in starlight distortions or gravitational wobbles
This can be assumption as if there are no other alternative methods of detecting then only few exoplanets can be observed. Keep this option.

C. Reliable interpretation of signal-related data depends more on the characteristics of the host star than on the exoplanet itself.
This also can be assumption as stable and consistent light from host star is required for indirect methods to function correctly and therefore reliable interpretation depends more on the host star. Now if few exoplanets can be seen it means host star doesn't have stable and consistent light. Lets keep this option

D. Exoplanets orbiting stars with consistent emission patterns are less common than those orbiting stars with inconsistent emissions.
This can be an assumption as less exoplanets with consistent emissions is the reason for fewer exoplanets that can be seen indirectly. Keep this option

E. Some exoplanets orbit stars with stable emissions but still fail to produce reliably detectable signals.
This can't be assumed as it will result in contrary statements. Eliminate

From option B,C and D all are very close but C seems more appropriate as it explains dependence of detectable signals on host star for reliable interpretation of signals.

Correct answer should be C.
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Evaluating Options:
A. This option discusses the reliability of data after it's been collected. The argument, however, is about the conditions required for a signal to be detected in the first place. Therefore, it is irrelevant to the argument's core logic.

B.This option is a necessary assumption for the conclusion to be a general statement. It assumes that there are no other successful methods for detecting exoplanets besides the ones mentioned. Without it, the conclusion could be false.

C. This is not an unstated assumption. The argument's premise already explicitly states that generating reliable data depends on the host star's stable emissions. It is a premise that the argument is built upon.

D. This is the most crucial assumption. It directly links the premise to the conclusion by stating that the required condition (consistent emissions) is rare. This explains why the limitation of the method leads to the conclusion that few exoplanets are detected.

E. This option introduces a new reason for detection failure that is not discussed in the argument. The argument's logic is based on inconsistent emissions, not on a scenario where stable emissions still fail to produce a signal. It is outside the scope of the original argument.

Option D correct
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We need to find an assumption which ties the statement about the information of the reliability of the mentioned methods to the conclusion that few exoplanets are likely to produce detectable signals that can be consistently detected unless they are close enough to Earth to be observed directly.

Statement A: The comparison with direct observation when gathering data about planetary atmospheres is out of scope.
Statement B: That is not the assumption. In fact it is a known fact presented in the first statement.
Statement C: That is not the necessary assumption here. Dependency on the planet’s host star definitely exists and is known.
Statement D: This is exactly what we were looking for. Given the constraints discussed, if such constraints are rarely observed, few exoplanets are likely to produce detectable signals. KEEP.
Statement E: This is not the assumption This is trying to introduce a possible exception.
Bunuel
Most known exoplanets lie too far from Earth to be observed directly and must instead be identified using indirect detection methods, such as measuring starlight distortions or subtle gravitational wobbles. However, these methods can generate reliable signal data only if the planet’s host star emits light in stable and consistent patterns over time. Therefore, few exoplanets are likely to produce detectable signals that can be consistently detected unless they are close enough to Earth to be observed directly.

The conclusion above follows logically if which of the following is assumed?

A. Indirect detection methods are less reliable than direct observation when gathering data about planetary atmospheres.
B. There are no alternative methods of detecting reliable signal data from exoplanets other than through shifts in starlight distortions or gravitational wobbles
C. Reliable interpretation of signal-related data depends more on the characteristics of the host star than on the exoplanet itself.
D. Exoplanets orbiting stars with consistent emission patterns are less common than those orbiting stars with inconsistent emissions.
E. Some exoplanets orbit stars with stable emissions but still fail to produce reliably detectable signals.


 


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A. Talks about atmosphere data, not relevant to the argument about detectability.
B. suggests no other detection methods exist. too restrictive and not necessary and argument assumes there can be more methods .
C. Shifts focus to host star vs. planet influence but doesn’t help the conclusion.
D. Assumes stars with stable emissions (needed for detection) are rare. Correct
E. Says even stable stars sometimes don’t help. weakens the argument

Ans D
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Bunuel
Most known exoplanets lie too far from Earth to be observed directly and must instead be identified using indirect detection methods, such as measuring starlight distortions or subtle gravitational wobbles. However, these methods can generate reliable signal data only if the planet’s host star emits light in stable and consistent patterns over time. Therefore, few exoplanets are likely to produce detectable signals that can be consistently detected unless they are close enough to Earth to be observed directly.

The conclusion above follows logically if which of the following is assumed?

A. Indirect detection methods are less reliable than direct observation when gathering data about planetary atmospheres.
B. There are no alternative methods of detecting reliable signal data from exoplanets other than through shifts in starlight distortions or gravitational wobbles
C. Reliable interpretation of signal-related data depends more on the characteristics of the host star than on the exoplanet itself.
D. Exoplanets orbiting stars with consistent emission patterns are less common than those orbiting stars with inconsistent emissions.
E. Some exoplanets orbit stars with stable emissions but still fail to produce reliably detectable signals.


 


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A. Indirect detection methods are less reliable than direct observation when gathering data about planetary atmospheres.
--> Direct-Indirect methods are not compared

B. There are no alternative methods of detecting reliable signal data from exoplanets other than through shifts in starlight distortions or gravitational wobbles
--> Correct. If alternate methods that don't use the existing signal detection methods aren't available, then we are reliant on the host star's emitting stable and consistent patterns over time. Our dependence on this prevents from finding new exoplanets.

C. Reliable interpretation of signal-related data depends more on the characteristics of the host star than on the exoplanet itself.
--> This follows the premise but no new information

D. Exoplanets orbiting stars with consistent emission patterns are less common than those orbiting stars with inconsistent emissions.
--> This weakens the plot because it provides an alternate explanation of why we find less exoplanets

E. Some exoplanets orbit stars with stable emissions but still fail to produce reliably detectable signals.
--> Alternate reason that is not discussed in the passage. Irrelevant.

Option B
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A. Indirect detection methods are less reliable than direct observation when gathering data about planetary atmospheres. OFS. This choice compares the reliability b/w direct and indirect method and doesn’t tell us why few exoplanets will produce consistently detectable signals. Eliminate.

B. There are no alternative methods of detecting reliable signal data from exoplanets other than through shifts in starlight distortions or gravitational wobbles. We already know from the premises that exoplanets must be identified using indirect methods if they are too far for direct observation. This choice doesn’t add any new info or tells us about what must’ve the author assumed for drawing the conclusion. Eliminate.

C. Reliable interpretation of signal-related data depends more on the characteristics of the host star than on the exoplanet itself. Does this option have to be true? The argument states that reliable data depends on the host star's patterns but not necessarily more on the star than the exoplanet. Eliminate.

D. Exoplanets orbiting stars with consistent emission patterns are less common than those orbiting stars with inconsistent emissions. This is what we needed. If this choice is true, it logically follows that only few exoplanets will produce consistently detectable signals via indirect methods. Correct.

E. Some exoplanets orbit stars with stable emissions but still fail to produce reliably detectable signals. This choice tells that even with stable stars, we might not be able to detect exoplanets located far-away from the Earth. This could be true but we don’t need this for our conclusion to hold true. Eliminate.

Option D

Bunuel
Most known exoplanets lie too far from Earth to be observed directly and must instead be identified using indirect detection methods, such as measuring starlight distortions or subtle gravitational wobbles. However, these methods can generate reliable signal data only if the planet’s host star emits light in stable and consistent patterns over time. Therefore, few exoplanets are likely to produce detectable signals that can be consistently detected unless they are close enough to Earth to be observed directly.

The conclusion above follows logically if which of the following is assumed?

A. Indirect detection methods are less reliable than direct observation when gathering data about planetary atmospheres.
B. There are no alternative methods of detecting reliable signal data from exoplanets other than through shifts in starlight distortions or gravitational wobbles
C. Reliable interpretation of signal-related data depends more on the characteristics of the host star than on the exoplanet itself.
D. Exoplanets orbiting stars with consistent emission patterns are less common than those orbiting stars with inconsistent emissions.
E. Some exoplanets orbit stars with stable emissions but still fail to produce reliably detectable signals.


 


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