Parland’s alligator population has been declining in recent years

Argument Analysis:
Case to be addressed: Increase in the numbers of these fish available for human consumption, by hunting the alligators.
Intended Input: Parland’s alligator population has been declining in recent years, primarily because of hunting. Alligators prey heavily on a species of freshwater fish that is highly valued as food by Parlanders, who had hoped that the decline in the alligator population would lead to an increase in the numbers of these fish available for human consumption.

Unintended Outcome: Yet the population of this fish species has also declined, even though the annual number caught for human consumption has not increased.


This is a resolve the paradox type question.

(A) The decline in the alligator population has meant that fishers can work in some parts of lakes and rivers that were formerly too dangerous.

(B) Over the last few years, Parland’s commercial fishing enterprises have increased the number of fishing boats they use.

(C) The main predator of these fish is another species of fish on which alligators also prey.

(D) Many Parlanders who hunt alligators do so because of the high market price of alligator skins, not because of the threat alligators pose to the fish population.

(E) In several neighboring countries through which Parland’s rivers also flow, alligators are at risk of extinction as a result of extensive hunting.

Parland’s alligator population has been declining in recent years, primarily because of hunting. Alligators prey heavily on a species of freshwater fish that is highly valued as food by Parlanders, who had hoped that the decline in the alligator population would lead to an increase in the numbers of these fish available for human consumption. Yet the population of this fish species has also declined, even though the annual number caught for human consumption has not increased.

Which of the following, if true, most helps to explain the decline in the population of the fish species?

(A) The decline in the alligator population has meant that fishers can work in some parts of lakes and rivers that were formerly too dangerous. X
-Knowing that declines in alligator population made the lakes more SAFE does not explain why the fish species declined

(B) Over the last few years, Parland’s commercial fishing enterprises have increased the number of fishing boats they use.
-Tempting this could suggest that more fish were being caught but we know from the passage that the annual number caught for consumption has not risen

(C) The main predator of these fish is another species of fish on which alligators also prey. X
-Correct – Since the alligator population is not declining, this other fish species which prays on the freshwater fish are more prevalent…which spells trouble for the freshwater fish

(D) Many Parlanders who hunt alligators do so because of the high market price of alligator skins, not because of the threat alligators pose to the fish population. X
-we don’t care about WHY Parlanders hunt alligators

(E) In several neighboring countries through which Parland’s rivers also flow, alligators are at risk of extinction as a result of extensive hunting.
-beyond the scope of the passage

Knowing that declines in alligator population made the lakes more SAFE could explain why the fish species have declined only if the passage hadn't mentioned that The annual number caught for consumption has not risen.
Why?
Earlier the fishers couldn't fish from places crowded with alligators. Now that the area is alligator free, they could fish from there as well. Ultimately, causing the fish population to decline.

A is incorrect because even if it gets easier to fish, we know that the number of fish caught hasn't increased.

This question has also appeared in OG 2020. Can someone add the tag?

_________________________
Added the tag. Thank you.

The argument states that despite the decline in the alligator population, the population of a freshwater fish species, which is preyed upon by alligators, has also declined. We need to find an answer choice that helps explain the decline in the fish population. Let's evaluate the options:

(A) The decline in the alligator population has meant that fishers can work in some parts of lakes and rivers that were formerly too dangerous.
This statement suggests that fishers now have access to areas that were previously unsafe due to the presence of alligators. It does not explain the decline in the fish population, so it is not the most helpful explanation.

(B) Over the last few years, Parland’s commercial fishing enterprises have increased the number of fishing boats they use.
This statement suggests an increase in fishing activity by commercial enterprises. However, it does not specifically explain the decline in the fish population, so it is not the most helpful explanation.

(C) The main predator of these fish is another species of fish on which alligators also prey.
This statement provides a potential explanation for the decline in the fish population. If another species of fish, on which both alligators and the target fish species prey, is also declining, it could contribute to the decline in the target fish population. This is the most helpful explanation so far.

(D) Many Parlanders who hunt alligators do so because of the high market price of alligator skins, not because of the threat alligators pose to the fish population.
This statement provides information about the motivations of alligator hunters but does not directly explain the decline in the fish population. It is not the most helpful explanation.

(E) In several neighboring countries through which Parland’s rivers also flow, alligators are at risk of extinction as a result of extensive hunting.
This statement provides information about the hunting of alligators in neighboring countries but does not directly explain the decline in the fish population within Parland. It is not the most helpful explanation.

Based on the analysis, the statement that most helps to explain the decline in the population of the fish species is (C) The main predator of these fish is another species of fish on which alligators also prey. This suggests that the decline in the fish population may be influenced by the predation of both alligators and another species of fish, which contributes to their decline.