In an effort to support the hunting of elk as opposed to bison, and in doing so cut down on the reduction of buffalo populations, the rangers assigned to a particular national forest have decided to prohibit the hunting of bison for meat as long as elk and other meats are available. The rangers assert that due to the fact that elk populations are both invasive and flourishing, elk meat is less likely to harm the ecosystem.
Which of the following, if true, indicates that the decision to prohibit the serving of bison meat will not achieve the forest rangers' ecological aims?The rangers want to protect bison populations by preventing bison from being hunted for meat and encouraging use of elk instead.
The best weakener would show that the ban will not actually reduce harm to bison populations, but will merely shift the source of bison meat elsewhere.
A. Despite the fact that bison meat can be raised in farms without impacting wild populations, many forest rangers contend that meat from invasive elk is better for the ecosystem.
This is tempting, but it does not clearly show that the rangers’ policy will fail. It only says farm-raised bison can be harmless and that some rangers prefer elk.
B. The restaurants which sell to many of the hunters in the forest intend to buy more meat from invasive elk.
This supports the rangers’ plan rather than weakens it.
C. When different national forests attempted to prohibit the hunting of bison for meat, a positive impact on the ecosystem could not be seen until nearly a season had passed.
This does not show failure. A delayed positive effect is still a positive effect.
D. Due to the fact that most restaurants would typically choose to serve bison meat rather than elk meat, they will probably acquire their meat from other forests where bison can legally be hunted for meat.
This is correct. If restaurants simply buy bison meat from other forests, then bison will still be hunted for meat. The policy may reduce local hunting, but it will not achieve the broader ecological aim of reducing harm to bison populations.
E. Animals other than elk are generally utilized in the creation of food products made of meat from invasive animals.
This is irrelevant. The issue is whether banning bison meat will protect bison populations.
Answer: (D)