HygeinicGangster wrote:
The country of Baurisia has, until now, been self-sufficient in both grain and meat. However, with growing prosperity in Baurisia has come a steadily increasing per capita consumption of meat, and it takes several pounds of grain to produce one pound of meat. Therefore, since per capita income in Baurisia is almost certain to rise further but increases in domestic grain production are highly unlikely, Baurisia is soon to become an importer of grain.
Which of the following, if true, most seriously weakens the argument?
(A) When people increase their consumption of meat, they also tend to increase their consumption of grain.
(B) The per capita consumption of meat in Baurisia is roughly the same accross all income levels.
(C) Per capita consumption of meat has not increased substantially in recent years in those countries from which Baurisia is likely to import meat.
(D) It is more economical for Baurisians to import meat than grain.
(E) During Baurisia's years of growing prosperity, the country's population has remained relatively stable.
Source : GMATPrep Default Exam Pack
Lots of grain is needed to make meat.
Per capita consumption of meat is increasing (we don't know whether everyone is eating a bit more or some people are eating a whole lot more)
Per capita income will continue to rise (so consumption of meat will continue to rise)
Grain production will not increase.
Conclusion: the country will start importing grain.
Weaken it. The country could directly import meat rather than grain. Option (D) works.
(A) When people increase their consumption of meat, they also tend to increase their consumption of grain.
Makes it more likely that grain will be imported.
(B) The per capita consumption of meat in Baurisia is roughly the same accross all income levels.
Doesn't matter who is consuming meat. Prosperity is increasing so demand for meat will keep increasing. Everyone will eat more than before because of increased income. How the per capita consumption of meat compares across incomes doesn't matter. Say everyone eats meat once in a day. When they start earning more money, they might start consuming it twice because they feel richer. Everyone may have been able to "afford" two meat meals prior to increase also. The important factor is the increased income for average individual, not comparative incomes of people.
(C) Per capita consumption of meat has not increased substantially in recent years in those countries from which Baurisia is likely to import meat.
Irrelevant. Nothing says that Baurisia will not be able to import meat. These countries may have sufficient for their own increased consumption and to export.
(D) It is more economical for Baurisians to import meat than grain.
Correct.
(E) During Baurisia's years of growing prosperity, the country's population has remained relatively stable.
We know demand for meat will rise. Stable population is irrelevant.
Answer (D)
_________________
Karishma Bansal - ANA PREP
*SUPER SUNDAYS!* - FREE Access to ALL Resources EVERY Sunday
REGISTER at ANA PREP
(Includes access to Study Modules, Concept Videos, Practice Questions and LIVE Classes)
YouTube Channel
youtube.com/karishma.anaprep