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(D) Marine noise pollution increases the likelihood of a marine predator successfully catching its prey in some instances.

The passage states that when exposed to acute noises such as those typical of large fishing ships, European eels react differently to predator attacks; the likelihood of their response to an ambush by a predator decreased by 50% and the reaction times of the ones that did respond were delayed by as much as 25%. This suggests that marine noise pollution can increase the likelihood of a marine predator successfully catching its prey by hindering the prey's ability to respond to the attack. Therefore, (D) is the correct answer.

(A) In the presence of acute sounds such as those coming from a large fishing ship, marine organisms such as eels cannot hear predators approaching. This statement goes beyond the scope of the information provided in the passage. The passage only states that the likelihood of the eels' response to an ambush by a predator decreased by 50% and their reaction times were delayed by 25%. It does not say that they were unable to hear the predators approaching.

(B) While it is true that fishing ships contribute to marine noise pollution, which can be harmful to marine organisms such as eels, the passage only provides information about how this noise pollution affects European eels. The passage does not provide any information about how fishing ships contribute to the endangerment of other marine organisms, either directly or indirectly. Therefore, (B) is not supported by the information provided in the passage.

(C) For European eels, the likelihood of a delay in their reaction time to an ambush by a predator increases with the increase in noise pollution. This statement is not supported by the information provided in the passage. The passage only states that the reaction times of the eels were delayed by 25% when exposed to acute noises, but it does not say anything about how the likelihood of a delay in their reaction time changes with the increase in noise pollution.

(E) When exposed to acute noises in a danger situation, some marine organisms lose control of most of their reflex actions. This statement goes beyond the scope of the information provided in the passage. The passage only states that the likelihood of the eels' response to an ambush by a predator decreased by 50% and their reaction times were delayed by 25%. It does not say that they lost control of most of their reflex actions.
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chetan2u Bunuel KarishmaB

Why is C wrong here? Is it because this info is already mentioned in the premise and hence should not be repeated in the conclusion?
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chetan2u Bunuel KarishmaB

Why is C wrong here? Is it because this info is already mentioned in the premise and hence should not be repeated in the conclusion?


Hi

No, C cannot be inferred or concluded from the argument.

What the argument tells us is that the eel’s response to a predator attack goes down by almost 25% when subjected to the noise pollution. How much noise pollution these eels are subjected to or the relation between level of noise pollution and decrease in response cannot be commented on from the given passage, and, always remember, we cannot conclude anything that cannot be inferred or does not flow from the passage.
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General Statement:- noise pollution -> marine organisms Threat
P1: noises by large fishing ships -> eels reacted very differently
P2: response to an ambush by a predator decreased by 50% & reaction times of the ones delayed by as much as 25%.( fact )

Conclusion :- noise pollution -> reduce response to predator & delay reaction time

A:- Marine organism can't hear --> False
B:- Fishing ship is the cause ---> False
C:- Delay in reaction times increases in correlation with Noise pollution ---> False
D:- Noise pollution helps marine predator to catch it's pray ---> False
E:- Expose to noise during danger situation , marine organisms lose control ---> True
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The correct answer is:

D. Marine noise pollution increases the likelihood of a marine predator successfully catching its prey in some instances.

Explanation:
Understanding the passage:

The passage states that acute marine noises (e.g., from fishing ships) negatively impact European eels' ability to respond to predators.
It mentions a 50% decrease in the likelihood of response and a 25% delay in reaction time for those that do respond.
This implies that predators are more likely to catch prey in these conditions.
Analyzing the answer choices:

A. Incorrect. The passage does not specifically state that eels "cannot hear" predators; it discusses their delayed or reduced response, which may or may not be related to hearing ability.

B. Incorrect. While the passage implies that fishing ships indirectly contribute to the endangerment of eels through noise pollution, it does not provide evidence of direct contributions. Therefore, this conclusion overgeneralizes.

C. Incorrect. The passage does not provide a relationship between the level of noise pollution and the likelihood of delay; it only discusses the effect of "acute noises" without specifying varying levels.

D. Correct. The passage indicates that noise pollution affects eels' predator-response behaviors, making them more vulnerable, which would increase a predator's success rate.

E. Incorrect. The passage does not mention eels losing control of "most reflex actions"—only a specific delay in predator-response behavior is discussed.

Thus, D is the most logically sound conclusion.
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