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An option that explains the extinction of mountain lions in spite of effective law enforcement on prohibition of killing lions but an indirect involvement of human beings (because of the premise - Human beings are highly destructive predators)

Between D & E

D. Because of increased human populations, mountain lions no longer have the large territories they need to hunt adequate numbers of their prey. correct

E. The natural evolution of the region, rather than the intrusions of human beings, has been responsible for the decline of the mountain lion population. no involvement of human beings mentioned..incorrect.
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Although I chose D.

I was confused between option A and D. If the Hunters can circumvent the law and continue killing the lions, the lions would be extinct again.
So in reference to the clause 'But even if the law could be enforced effectively' in the passage, does 'effectively' in here mean even if they try to circumvent the law they will not be successful in killing any lions?
Is my reasoning right?
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Both D and E show alternative reasons other than hunting of lions by humans, really confused how to narrow down from there.

I chose E thinking that it shows a reason for lion extinction unrelated to human effects, thus blaming humans would not be correct as suggested bvy the author.

GMATNinja please help
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Option E "The natural evolution of the region, rather than the intrusions of human beings, has been responsible for the decline of the mountain lion population" is presented as an alternative reason for the decline of Mountain lions which would lead to the extinction of mountain lions. However a keypoint in the conclusion "even if the law could be enforced effectively,..... and the blame would still be ours" claims that human acts invariably will be the reason for their existence, although not directly.

Hence an option that sustains both these conditions should be the answer which is Option D "Because of increased human populations, mountain lions no longer have the large territories they need to hunt adequate numbers of their prey"


Hope this helps!
tittoo
Both D and E show alternative reasons other than hunting of lions by humans, really confused how to narrow down from there.

I chose E thinking that it shows a reason for lion extinction unrelated to human effects, thus blaming humans would not be correct as suggested bvy the author.

GMATNinja please help
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arvinnayuni
Although I chose D.

I was confused between option A and D. If the Hunters can circumvent the law and continue killing the lions, the lions would be extinct again.
So in reference to the clause 'But even if the law could be enforced effectively' in the passage, does 'effectively' in here mean even if they try to circumvent the law they will not be successful in killing any lions?
Is my reasoning right?
Yes you have it! ‘Effectively’ here means assuming that the law has been enforced properly and has made adequate awareness plus it has done its job without any intrusions.
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tittoo
Both D and E show alternative reasons other than hunting of lions by humans, really confused how to narrow down from there.

I chose E thinking that it shows a reason for lion extinction unrelated to human effects, thus blaming humans would not be correct as suggested bvy the author.

GMATNinja please help
Hi,
In this question, to resolve the paradox, we do not have to find an option that completely ELIMINATES human involvement in the extinction of the species but rather one that creates an INDIRECT LINK suggesting that however unintentionally, human beings still indirectly, IN SOME OTHER POSSIBLE WAY lead to the extinction of the species.
Thus, while option E completely resolves humans of any blame or responsibility, option D strikes a subtle but accurate connection.
Hope this helps!
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