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705-805 (Hard)|   Assumption|         
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kavyavishnoi02
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GMAT Club Olympics 2024 (Day 6): Climatologists claim: The recent 16 Jul 2024, 02:04
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­Let's analyse each option:

A. The argument in the passage relies on the assumption that the similar weather patterns between the Pliocene Epoch and the current time are due to the same cause, namely higher global temperatures. The passage uses the similarity in weather patterns as evidence that the current weather patterns are due to climate change, assuming that the same conditions that led to similar weather patterns in the past are also responsible for the current weather patterns.
B. While the passage mentions that the Pliocene Epoch had higher global temperatures, it doesn't explicitly state that other factors were not involved. Eliminated.
C. The passage presents evidence of increased global temperatures as supporting the claim, but doesn't suggest that it's the only evidence. Eliminated.
D. The passage only discusses the current situation and doesn't make predictions about future changes. Eliminated.
E. It is the opposite of what the argument assumes, as it suggests that the mechanisms causing climate change in the past are different from those causing current climate change, while the passage assumes that they are the same. Eliminated.

Thus, the answer is option (A).
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GMAT Club Olympics 2024 (Day 6): Climatologists claim: The recent 16 Jul 2024, 02:24
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(A) The conditions that caused similar weather patterns during the Pliocene Epoch must be the same as those causing current weather patterns.
Does it have to be the case that ALL the conditions that cuased similar weather patterns during the Pliocene Epoch must be the same as those causing current weather patterns? no! this is not necessary for the author to claim that our current weather patterns are due to climate change.

(B) Other factors besides global temperatures, such as ocean currents or volcanic activity, did not significantly influence weather patterns during the Pliocene Epoch.
    If we negate this statement, then the claim definitely breaks. 

(C) Without evidence of increased global temperatures, the claim that current weather patterns are due to climate change would not be credible.
     This is the condition observed during both the periods. Does the author need to assume that this is the case in order for claim to be true? 

(D) If global temperatures continue to rise, the frequency and severity of these weather patterns will certainly increase.
     This is not relevant to drawing the claim regarding current weather patterns are due to climate change

(E) The mechanisms that caused climate change in the past are fundamentally different from those causing current climate change.
     This can very well be the case, but is not the one that the passage must rely on. 

The right ans choice is B.
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GMAT Club Olympics 2024 (Day 6): Climatologists claim: The recent 16 Jul 2024, 02:37
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Bunuel
­Climatologists claim: The recent pattern of prolonged droughts followed by intense rainfalls is a clear indicator of climate change. This pattern results from increased global temperatures, which enhance the rate of water evaporation and lead to more stored moisture in the atmosphere. When the moisture is released, it results in heavy rains following drought periods. The discovery that similar weather patterns occurred during the Pliocene Epoch, when the earth experienced higher global temperatures, supports the claim that our current weather patterns are due to climate change.

The argument in the passage relies on which of the following assumptions?

(A) The conditions that caused similar weather patterns during the Pliocene Epoch must be the same as those causing current weather patterns.

(B) Other factors besides global temperatures, such as ocean currents or volcanic activity, did not significantly influence weather patterns during the Pliocene Epoch.

(C) Without evidence of increased global temperatures, the claim that current weather patterns are due to climate change would not be credible.

(D) If global temperatures continue to rise, the frequency and severity of these weather patterns will certainly increase.

(E) The mechanisms that caused climate change in the past are fundamentally different from those causing current climate change.



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I will go with option A.

Why?

This option directly links the past and current by realting that the same conditions are responsible for similar weather patterns.
If this assumption is false, the comparison between the Pliocene Epoch and the current climate would fall apart.

Lets see why not other option:

(B) Other factors besides global temperatures, such as ocean currents or volcanic activity, did not significantly influence weather patterns during the Pliocene Epoch. -> This can support the argument but it is not necessary. Also negating wont break the conclusion

(C) Without evidence of increased global temperatures, the claim that current weather patterns are due to climate change would not be credible. -> This can never be an assumption as the statement focusses on need of evidence of increased global temperature.

(D) If global temperatures continue to rise, the frequency and severity of these weather patterns will certainly increase. -> This is future prediction, can never be an assumption.

(E) The mechanisms that caused climate change in the past are fundamentally different from those causing current climate change. -> Not an assumption, this is going against the argument.


OA = A
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GMAT Club Olympics 2024 (Day 6): Climatologists claim: The recent 16 Jul 2024, 02:54
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Bunuel
­Climatologists claim: The recent pattern of prolonged droughts followed by intense rainfalls is a clear indicator of climate change. This pattern results from increased global temperatures, which enhance the rate of water evaporation and lead to more stored moisture in the atmosphere. When the moisture is released, it results in heavy rains following drought periods. The discovery that similar weather patterns occurred during the Pliocene Epoch, when the earth experienced higher global temperatures, supports the claim that our current weather patterns are due to climate change.

The argument in the passage relies on which of the following assumptions?

(A) The conditions that caused similar weather patterns during the Pliocene Epoch must be the same as those causing current weather patterns.

(B) Other factors besides global temperatures, such as ocean currents or volcanic activity, did not significantly influence weather patterns during the Pliocene Epoch.

(C) Without evidence of increased global temperatures, the claim that current weather patterns are due to climate change would not be credible.

(D) If global temperatures continue to rise, the frequency and severity of these weather patterns will certainly increase.

(E) The mechanisms that caused climate change in the past are fundamentally different from those causing current climate change.

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(A) The conditions that caused similar weather patterns during the Pliocene Epoch must be the same as those causing current weather patterns.Because the argument assumes that the same conditions causing similar weather patterns in the Pliocene Epoch are responsible for the current weather patterns.
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GMAT Club Olympics 2024 (Day 6): Climatologists claim: The recent 16 Jul 2024, 03:09
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Bunuel
­Climatologists claim: The recent pattern of prolonged droughts followed by intense rainfalls is a clear indicator of climate change. This pattern results from increased global temperatures, which enhance the rate of water evaporation and lead to more stored moisture in the atmosphere. When the moisture is released, it results in heavy rains following drought periods. The discovery that similar weather patterns occurred during the Pliocene Epoch, when the earth experienced higher global temperatures, supports the claim that our current weather patterns are due to climate change.

The argument in the passage relies on which of the following assumptions?

(A) The conditions that caused similar weather patterns during the Pliocene Epoch must be the same as those causing current weather patterns.

(B) Other factors besides global temperatures, such as ocean currents or volcanic activity, did not significantly influence weather patterns during the Pliocene Epoch.

(C) Without evidence of increased global temperatures, the claim that current weather patterns are due to climate change would not be credible.

(D) If global temperatures continue to rise, the frequency and severity of these weather patterns will certainly increase.

(E) The mechanisms that caused climate change in the past are fundamentally different from those causing current climate change.



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­(A) The conditions that caused similar weather patterns during the Pliocene Epoch must be the same as those causing current weather patterns.

This option suggests that the argument assumes the same factors (primarily increased global temperatures) that led to the weather patterns during the Pliocene Epoch are also responsible for the current patterns. This aligns with the argument's reliance on historical patterns to explain current phenomena. This is a strong candidate because it directly connects the historical evidence to the current situation, supporting the argument.

(B) Other factors besides global temperatures, such as ocean currents or volcanic activity, did not significantly influence weather patterns during the Pliocene Epoch.

This option implies that the argument assumes global temperatures were the primary cause of the weather patterns during the Pliocene Epoch, with other factors playing a minimal role. While this could be an implicit assumption, the argument focuses more on the similarity of patterns rather than excluding other factors. This is less central to the argument's core logic.

(C) Without evidence of increased global temperatures, the claim that current weather patterns are due to climate change would not be credible.

This option suggests that the argument relies on increased global temperatures to validate the claim about climate change. However, this is more about the necessity of evidence for credibility rather than an assumption about the similarity of past and present conditions. The argument's strength comes from comparing historical patterns to current ones, so this is not the best choice.

(D) If global temperatures continue to rise, the frequency and severity of these weather patterns will certainly increase.

This option projects future trends based on current patterns and temperature rise. While this might be a logical extension of the argument, it is not a foundational assumption. The argument compares past and present patterns rather than making predictions about future trends.

(E) The mechanisms that caused climate change in the past are fundamentally different from those causing current climate change.

This option suggests a difference in the causes of past and present climate change. If true, it would weaken the argument, as it relies on the similarity between past and present mechanisms. Thus, this cannot be an assumption the argument relies on. Instead, the argument assumes the opposite: that the mechanisms are similar.

Conclusion:

(A) is the correct answer. The argument relies on the assumption that the same conditions (primarily increased global temperatures) that caused the weather patterns during the Pliocene Epoch are also responsible for the current weather patterns. This is central to linking the historical evidence to the current claim about climate change.
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GMAT Club Olympics 2024 (Day 6): Climatologists claim: The recent 16 Jul 2024, 03:22
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(A) The conditions that caused similar weather patterns during the Pliocene Epoch must be the same as those causing current weather patterns.

This assumption suggests that the mechanisms causing weather patterns during the Pliocene Epoch (related to higher global temperatures) are directly comparable to those causing current weather patterns influenced by climate change. This supports the argument that current weather patterns are indicative of climate change if similar patterns occurred under similar conditions in the past.

(B) Other factors besides global temperatures, such as ocean currents or volcanic activity, did not significantly influence weather patterns during the Pliocene Epoch.

This assumption suggests that global temperatures were the primary factor influencing weather patterns during the Pliocene Epoch, similar to the current argument about climate change. While this could support the claim, it doesn't directly relate to the assumption needed for the argument in the passage, which focuses on the similarity of weather patterns caused by temperature changes.

(C) Without evidence of increased global temperatures, the claim that current weather patterns are due to climate change would not be credible.

This assumption states that evidence of increased global temperatures is necessary to support the claim that current weather patterns are due to climate change. While this is a reasonable assumption, it doesn't specifically address the historical comparison made in the passage about weather patterns during the Pliocene Epoch.

(D) If global temperatures continue to rise, the frequency and severity of these weather patterns will certainly increase.

This assumption looks forward to the future implications of climate change rather than supporting the historical argument based on weather patterns during the Pliocene Epoch. It suggests a future outcome rather than supporting the current argument's reliance on historical data.

(E) The mechanisms that caused climate change in the past are fundamentally different from those causing current climate change.

This assumption contradicts the argument's premise that weather patterns during the Pliocene Epoch, influenced by higher global temperatures, are comparable to current weather patterns caused by climate change. It weakens the argument by suggesting that historical patterns are not relevant to understanding current climate change.
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GMAT Club Olympics 2024 (Day 6): Climatologists claim: The recent 16 Jul 2024, 04:09
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Bunuel
­Climatologists claim: The recent pattern of prolonged droughts followed by intense rainfalls is a clear indicator of climate change. This pattern results from increased global temperatures, which enhance the rate of water evaporation and lead to more stored moisture in the atmosphere. When the moisture is released, it results in heavy rains following drought periods. The discovery that similar weather patterns occurred during the Pliocene Epoch, when the earth experienced higher global temperatures, supports the claim that our current weather patterns are due to climate change.

The argument in the passage relies on which of the following assumptions?

(A) The conditions that caused similar weather patterns during the Pliocene Epoch must be the same as those causing current weather patterns.

(B) Other factors besides global temperatures, such as ocean currents or volcanic activity, did not significantly influence weather patterns during the Pliocene Epoch.

(C) Without evidence of increased global temperatures, the claim that current weather patterns are due to climate change would not be credible.

(D) If global temperatures continue to rise, the frequency and severity of these weather patterns will certainly increase.

(E) The mechanisms that caused climate change in the past are fundamentally different from those causing current climate change.



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­(A) The conditions that caused similar weather patterns during the Pliocene Epoch must be the same as those causing current weather patterns.
  • This option is too restrictive. The argument doesn't require identical conditions but rather focuses on the general influence of increased global temperatures on weather patterns.

(B) Other factors besides global temperatures, such as ocean currents or volcanic activity, did not significantly influence weather patterns during the Pliocene Epoch.
  • Not directly relevant. The argument centers on global temperatures' impact on weather patterns, not on excluding all other influences.

(C) Without evidence of increased global temperatures, the claim that current weather patterns are due to climate change would not be credible.
  • Directly supports the argument's central claim. It asserts the necessity of evidence linking global warming to current weather patterns. CORRECT

(D) If global temperatures continue to rise, the frequency and severity of these weather patterns will certainly increase.
  • Discusses a future consequence rather than a current assumption. It's related but not directly supporting the argument's current premise.

(E) The mechanisms that caused climate change in the past are fundamentally different from those causing current climate change.
  • Not necessary for the argument. The argument focuses on current weather patterns under current climate conditions, not historical differences in mechanisms.

The answer is C
 ­
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GMAT Club Olympics 2024 (Day 6): Climatologists claim: The recent 16 Jul 2024, 04:11
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Given that the final portion of the statement expresses the similarities in weather patterns, I believe choice A to be the correct response. In my view, the remaining assumptions are unconventional, and the final mechanism option serves as a useful cue to identify the trap.
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GMAT Club Olympics 2024 (Day 6): Climatologists claim: The recent 16 Jul 2024, 04:11
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(A) The conditions that caused similar weather patterns during the Pliocene Epoch must be the same as those causing current weather patterns.
This idea is not the starting point for the argument mentioned above because researchers say that the cause of climate change during the Pliocene epoch was global warming, but they do not say that it must be the same as the current climate change.

(B) Other factors besides global temperatures, such as ocean currents or volcanic activity, did not significantly influence weather patterns during the Pliocene Epoch.
The above argument does not address other causes of climate change during the Pliocene Epoch, such as ocean currents and volcanism, in addition to global warming.

(C) Without evidence of increased global temperatures, the claim that current weather patterns are due to climate change would not be credible.
This idea is not a starting point for the debate because it is said that global warming is the cause of climate change during the Pliocene Epoch.

(D) If global temperatures continue to rise, the frequency and severity of these weather patterns will certainly increase.
This idea will fuel the debate because the researchers say that global warming will cause climate change, and that climate change during the Pliocene Epoch is linked to global warming.
so, the answer is D
(E) The mechanisms that caused climate change in the past are fundamentally different from those causing current climate change.
This idea is not original because the argument states that current climate change is similar to climate change during the Pliocene Epoch.

therefore the answer is D
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GMAT Club Olympics 2024 (Day 6): Climatologists claim: The recent 16 Jul 2024, 04:11
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Bunuel
­Climatologists claim: The recent pattern of prolonged droughts followed by intense rainfalls is a clear indicator of climate change. This pattern results from increased global temperatures, which enhance the rate of water evaporation and lead to more stored moisture in the atmosphere. When the moisture is released, it results in heavy rains following drought periods. The discovery that similar weather patterns occurred during the Pliocene Epoch, when the earth experienced higher global temperatures, supports the claim that our current weather patterns are due to climate change.

The argument in the passage relies on which of the following assumptions?

(A) The conditions that caused similar weather patterns during the Pliocene Epoch must be the same as those causing current weather patterns.

(B) Other factors besides global temperatures, such as ocean currents or volcanic activity, did not significantly influence weather patterns during the Pliocene Epoch.

(C) Without evidence of increased global temperatures, the claim that current weather patterns are due to climate change would not be credible.

(D) If global temperatures continue to rise, the frequency and severity of these weather patterns will certainly increase.

(E) The mechanisms that caused climate change in the past are fundamentally different from those causing current climate change.



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­A. This does not have to be the case. The conditions that led to the higher temperatures now and during the Epoch period can be different. 
B. If this is true, then we eliminate alternate reasons for weather patterns during Epoch. We can for sure that the temperature rise is the reason for weather pattern.
C. We don't have to assume this for drawing the conclusion. 
D. This is not the assumption required for drawing the conclusion. We are not concerned about increasing severity. 
E. This choice is similar to A, but we don't have to assume that the mechanisms are different in order to draw parallels. 
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GMAT Club Olympics 2024 (Day 6): Climatologists claim: The recent 16 Jul 2024, 04:32
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(A) The conditions that caused similar weather patterns during the Pliocene Epoch must be the same as those causing current weather patterns. - Wrong. Specific conditions (higher global temperatures) are the same

(B) Other factors besides global temperatures, such as ocean currents or volcanic activity, did not significantly influence weather patterns during the Pliocene Epoch. - Right
The statement relies on the fact that beside temperature all other factors are either the same or have no significant effect

(C) Without evidence of increased global temperatures, the claim that current weather patterns are due to climate change would not be credible. - Wrong. It undermines the statement 

(D) If global temperatures continue to rise, the frequency and severity of these weather patterns will certainly increase. - Wrong
The statement describes responses rather than giving forecasts.

(E) The mechanisms that caused climate change in the past are fundamentally different from those causing current climate change. - Wrong
This statement contradicts the climatologists' claim.
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GMAT Club Olympics 2024 (Day 6): Climatologists claim: The recent 16 Jul 2024, 04:33
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­Based on ­Climatologists, current weather patterns are due to climate change as similar patterns occurred during the Pliocene Epoch.
Reasoning is that global temp were high in both cases.

We can already see gap in the logic. How do we know that weather pattern during Pliocene Epoch was because of climate change? No evidence is provided for that. 
We need to find assumption in this question.

Let's look at the options:
A. The conditions that caused similar weather patterns during the Pliocene Epoch must be the same as those causing current weather patterns.
We found the answer. Whole arguments relies on weather pattern being similar to Pliocene Epoch and how it is currently caused by climate change. If conditions causing weather patterns during the Pliocene Epoch were not same as current conditions, then they cannot be compared with each other. Climantologists can no longer argue with logic. Correct

B. Other factors besides global temperatures, such as ocean currents or volcanic activity, did not significantly influence weather patterns during the Pliocene Epoch.
We are talking about global temperature only when making comparision, no need to assume anything else. Even if did influence weather pattern, global temperatures could have also been minor factor for pattern chage. Incorrect

C. Without evidence of increased global temperatures, the claim that current weather patterns are due to climate change would not be credible.
No mention  of comparision. Even if credibility of claim is questioned, this does not need to be assumed. Incorrect

D. If global temperatures continue to rise, the frequency and severity of these weather patterns will certainly increase.
This is a prediction, we are looking for assumption. Incorrect

E. The mechanisms that caused climate change in the past are fundamentally different from those causing current climate change.
This weaken's the argument by saying that we cannot compared these two different weather patterns. Incorrect­
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GMAT Club Olympics 2024 (Day 6): Climatologists claim: The recent 16 Jul 2024, 04:36
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Answer is A
The climatologist assumes that it was due to global warming that the earth experienced similar weather patterns as it does now.
Statement 2 also gives example of other factors that may have contributed to the similar weather patterns in pliocene period. However it assumes that global warming was a factor in pliocene period which may not be true
Statement 3- is irrelevant. The argument doesnt require any evidence here.
Statement 4- is irrelevant
Statement 5 - is not an assumption.
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GMAT Club Olympics 2024 (Day 6): Climatologists claim: The recent 16 Jul 2024, 04:49
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­Choice A

Climatologist's claim - recent weather patterns (prolonged droughts followed by intense rainfall) are a clear indicator of climate change

Explanation - pattern results from increased global temperatures, enhancing rate of evaporation, leading to more stored moisture in atmosphere. When moisture is released, it comes down in the form of heavy rainfall
Evidence - similar weather patterns occured during the Pliocene Epoch, when earth exp higher temp


Question: Assumption

(A) The conditions that caused similar weather patterns during the Pliocene Epoch must be the same as those causing current weather patterns. Correct This choice connects the two Current timeline and the Pliocene Epoch. By establishing this link, we are establishing a cause and effect situation

(B) Other factors besides global temperatures, such as ocean currents or volcanic activity, did not significantly influence weather patterns during the Pliocene Epoch. This choice eliminates potential factors that might have caused changes in weather patterns during Pliocene Epoch. But that doesn't necessarily connect Pliocene Epoch with the current conditions we are facing Incorrect

(C) Without evidence of increased global temperatures, the claim that current weather patterns are due to climate change would not be credible. While this is true, but this choice still doesn't explain the how current climate changes are similar to something happend long ago Incorrect

(D) If global temperatures continue to rise, the frequency and severity of these weather patterns will certainly increase. We are not concerned about the frequency and severity. We need to link the evidence provided to the conclusion that recent weather patterns are an indicator for climate change Incorrect

(E) The mechanisms that caused climate change in the past are fundamentally different from those causing current climate change. This choice is against the reasoning of the argument Incorrect
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GMAT Club Olympics 2024 (Day 6): Climatologists claim: The recent 16 Jul 2024, 04:50
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Ans : A goes with assumption

Assumption : similar weather patterns occurred during the Pliocene Epoch, when the earth experienced higher global temperatures, supports the claim that our current weather patterns are due to climate change.

B) Out of scope
C) Weakens assumption
D) Brings new parameter
E) Weakens assumption
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GMAT Club Olympics 2024 (Day 6): Climatologists claim: The recent 16 Jul 2024, 04:55
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Bunuel
­Climatologists claim: The recent pattern of prolonged droughts followed by intense rainfalls is a clear indicator of climate change. This pattern results from increased global temperatures, which enhance the rate of water evaporation and lead to more stored moisture in the atmosphere. When the moisture is released, it results in heavy rains following drought periods. The discovery that similar weather patterns occurred during the Pliocene Epoch, when the earth experienced higher global temperatures, supports the claim that our current weather patterns are due to climate change.

The argument in the passage relies on which of the following assumptions?

(A) The conditions that caused similar weather patterns during the Pliocene Epoch must be the same as those causing current weather patterns.

(B) Other factors besides global temperatures, such as ocean currents or volcanic activity, did not significantly influence weather patterns during the Pliocene Epoch.

(C) Without evidence of increased global temperatures, the claim that current weather patterns are due to climate change would not be credible.

(D) If global temperatures continue to rise, the frequency and severity of these weather patterns will certainly increase.

(E) The mechanisms that caused climate change in the past are fundamentally different from those causing current climate change.



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We need to find the assumption on which conclusion is based. (The discovery that similar weather patterns occurred during the Pliocene Epoch, when the earth experienced higher global temperatures, supports the claim that our current weather patterns are due to climate change.)

We know that global temperature rise is the main reason for these type of weather patterns and climate changes.

­Correct choice: B

Here, it says that global temperatures is the main reason that influenced weather patterns during the Pliocene Epoch. Now as similar weather patterns are now occuring implies that global temperatures is the main reason. Hence, climate change is behind this behaviour.

Incorrect choices:

A: It says conditions for current weather change and weather patterns during the Pliocene Epoch are same but we don't know that only if global temperature was the main reason during the Pliocene Epoch.

C: This is fact but it's not the assumption as it is not supporting the conclusion made.

D: We don't need to know about severity of weather patterns, we need to relate it with the climate change caused by global temperature rise.

E: This actually does not say how current weather patterns are result of climate change.
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GMAT Club Olympics 2024 (Day 6): Climatologists claim: The recent 16 Jul 2024, 04:55
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­Climatologists claim: The recent pattern of prolonged droughts followed by intense rainfalls is a clear indicator of climate change. This pattern results from increased global temperatures, which enhance the rate of water evaporation and lead to more stored moisture in the atmosphere. When the moisture is released, it results in heavy rains following drought periods. The discovery that similar weather patterns occurred during the Pliocene Epoch when the earth experienced higher global temperatures, supports the claim that our current weather patterns are due to climate change.

The argument in the passage relies on which of the following assumptions?

(A) The conditions that caused similar weather patterns during the Pliocene Epoch must be the same as those causing current weather patterns.
Explanation: If we negate this option, it doesn't break the conclusion. The mechanism of the occurrence of current weather patterns (prolonged droughts followed by intense rainfall) may or may not be the same as that of the Pliocene Epoch. This is not the concern.  INCORRECT

(B) Other factors besides global temperatures, such as ocean currents or volcanic activity, did not significantly influence weather patterns during the Pliocene Epoch.
Explanation: This option correctly highlights the assumption on which the passage relies. If we negate the assumption, the conclusion breaks. Here, if other factors besides global temperatures, such as ocean currents or volcanic activity, did significantly influence weather patterns during the Pliocene Epoch then the conclusion will break. CORRECT

(C) Without evidence of increased global temperatures, the claim that current weather patterns are due to climate change would not be credible.
Explanation: This statement is more about the necessity of evidence for credibility rather than the specific assumption about the causes of weather patterns. INCORRECT

(D) If global temperatures continue to rise, the frequency and severity of these weather patterns will certainly increase.
Explanation: Irrelevant. This statement talks about future predictions, not the current assumption linking past and present weather patterns. INCORRECT

(E) The mechanisms that caused climate change in the past are fundamentally different from those causing current climate change.
Explanation: This statement contradicts the argument, which relies on the assumption that past and current mechanisms are similar. INCORRECT

The correct answer is option B­
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GMAT Club Olympics 2024 (Day 6): Climatologists claim: The recent 16 Jul 2024, 05:20
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(A)This assumption is central to the argument because the passage draws a parallel between the current weather patterns and those during the Pliocene Epoch to support the claim that the present patterns are due to climate change. If the causes were different, the comparison would be invalid, undermining the argument's credibility.

(B) While this could support the argument by simplifying the causal link, it is not necessary for the primary comparison the argument makes. The main focus is on the similarity in weather patterns due to high global temperatures, not on excluding other factors.

(C) This statement is true but does not directly support the specific comparison with the Pliocene Epoch, which is crucial to the argument's main point. The assumption needed relates more directly to the historical comparison.

(D) This might be a likely consequence but does not underpin the argument that current patterns are due to the same causes as in the Pliocene Epoch. The assumption focuses on the cause-effect relationship from past to present, not on future predictions.

(E) This option contradicts the argument because if the mechanisms were fundamentally different, the comparison to the Pliocene Epoch would be invalid. The argument assumes similarity, not difference.

Thus, the correct answer is (A) because it is the assumption that directly supports the argument by asserting the similarity of conditions between the Pliocene Epoch and the current period.

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GMAT Club Olympics 2024 (Day 6): Climatologists claim: The recent 16 Jul 2024, 05:20
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Bunuel
­Climatologists claim: The recent pattern of prolonged droughts followed by intense rainfalls is a clear indicator of climate change. This pattern results from increased global temperatures, which enhance the rate of water evaporation and lead to more stored moisture in the atmosphere. When the moisture is released, it results in heavy rains following drought periods. The discovery that similar weather patterns occurred during the Pliocene Epoch, when the earth experienced higher global temperatures, supports the claim that our current weather patterns are due to climate change.

The argument in the passage relies on which of the following assumptions?

(A) The conditions that caused similar weather patterns during the Pliocene Epoch must be the same as those causing current weather patterns.

(B) Other factors besides global temperatures, such as ocean currents or volcanic activity, did not significantly influence weather patterns during the Pliocene Epoch.

(C) Without evidence of increased global temperatures, the claim that current weather patterns are due to climate change would not be credible.

(D) If global temperatures continue to rise, the frequency and severity of these weather patterns will certainly increase.

(E) The mechanisms that caused climate change in the past are fundamentally different from those causing current climate change.



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­(A) The argument assumes that the same conditions causing similar weather patterns during the Pliocene Epoch are causing current patterns.

(B) This suggests the argument assumes global temperatures were the primary cause in the Pliocene Epoch, excluding other factors.

(C) This implies the argument needs evidence of increased global temperatures to validate the climate change claim.

(D) This projects future trends based on rising temperatures but isn't central to the current comparison.

(E) This contradicts the argument, suggesting past and present climate change mechanisms are different, which would weaken the argument.

By analyzing each option, we see that (A) is the correct assumption as it directly supports the argument's reliance on historical weather patterns to explain current climate changes.

Therefore, option A is the correct answer.
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GMAT Club Olympics 2024 (Day 6): Climatologists claim: The recent 16 Jul 2024, 05:37
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­Climatologists claim: The recent pattern of prolonged droughts followed by intense rainfalls is a clear indicator of climate change. This pattern results from increased global temperatures, which enhance the rate of water evaporation and lead to more stored moisture in the atmosphere. When the moisture is released, it results in heavy rains following drought periods. The discovery that similar weather patterns occurred during the Pliocene Epoch, when the earth experienced higher global temperatures, supports the claim that our current weather patterns are due to climate change.

Things to consider: Prolonged droughts followed by intense rainfalls is a clear indicator of climate change.
Reason to claim: Similar weather patterns occurred during the Pliocene Epoch when the earth experienced higher global temperatures

Consider, (B) Other factors besides global temperatures, such as ocean currents or volcanic activity, did not significantly influence weather patterns during the Pliocene Epoch.

if other factors besides global temperatures, such as ocean currents or volcanic activity had had an impact on weather patterns, certainly there will be no similarity with recent weather patterns.
 
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