Ostrich meat, which is low in fat and cholesterol, is becoming popular

Question

Ostrich meat, which is low in fat and cholesterol, is becoming popular in the United States among dieters and those concerned with health. However, ostriches are an endangered species. If the popularity of ostrich meat continues to grow at the present rate, ostriches will inevitably become extinct.

Which of the following, if true, most seriously weakens the argument above?

(A) Ostrich meat is not any healthier than lean beef, which is available everywhere and less expensive.
(B) Ostrich meat is considered by many to be a gourmet food, suitable only for special occasions.
(C) Concerns about avian flu, although spurious, have caused many consumers to avoid ostrich meat.
(D) An increased demand for ostrich meat will lead to increased ostrich farming, thus increasing the number of ostriches.
(E) Ostriches are killed more frequently for their feathers and for the making of leather than they are for meat.

goforgmat · Answer

Conclusion : Ostriches will inevitably become extinct.

To weaken we need to prove that Ostriches wont become extinct even if the Ostrich meat continues to grow. 
Option D weakens.

sazak · Answer

D is the correct answer.

(A) This choice does not conclude anything about the trend in the ostrich meat and extinction of ostriches.
(B) There is no information about the consumption type of the ostrich meat. Irrelevant to the question.
(C) Presents an out of scope evidence.
(D) Correctly draws a counter argument on the trend of consumption of ostrich meat and the population of ostriches. 
(E) Actually strengthens the argument in the text by demonstrating another evidence of the decreasing population of the ostriches.

Hope this analysis helps.

Stay strong,

Sazak

pca99095 · Answer

How is (c) out of scope? The passage says that "if the popular of ostrich meat continues to grow at the present rate, ostriches will inevitably become extinct." However, if many consumers avoid ostrich meat, doesn't that lead the decrease of ostrich meat?

VerbalBot · Answer

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Ostrich meat, which is low in fat and cholesterol, is becoming popular

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Ostrich meat, which is low in fat and cholesterol, is becoming popular

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