In recent years, a large number of coral reefs have been disappearing

Question

In recent years, a large number of coral reefs have been disappearing at an alarming rate. Many environmental scientists attribute this phenomenon to climate change. They argue that as the Earth's temperature continues to rise, the ocean waters become warmer, which is detrimental to the survival of coral reefs. Therefore, they assert that the most effective solution to prevent further loss of coral reefs is to implement global measures to combat climate change.

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

(A) Some coral reefs have demonstrated remarkable resilience and have been able to survive in warmer ocean waters.
(B) There are many countries that are not in compliance with the global measures to combat climate change.
(C) Other factors, such as ocean pollution and destructive fishing practices, also contribute significantly to the loss of coral reefs.
(D) The implementation of global measures to combat climate change requires significant financial resources and international cooperation.
(E) Coral reefs provide a habitat for a large variety of marine life and play a crucial role in maintaining the health of the world's oceans.

RenB · Answer

Hi,
Conclusion here: The  most effective  solution to prevent further loss of coral reefs is to implement global measures to combat climate change.
Given that- The coral reefs have been disappearing at a high rate and env attribute this to climate change

Thinking- I need something that reduces my belief in the thought that- The most effective solution to prevent further loss of coral reefs is combatting climate change
What if this is not 'the most' effective way?

Option analysis-
A. Irrelevant- Talks about some reefs that are able to survive. Does not attack the conclusion/ reduce my belief in the conclusion. 
B. Irrelevant
 C. Bang on. This tells me there are other reasons that affect the coral reefs  significantly  
D. Irrelevant
E. Irrelevant

Catman · Answer

Argument-> Large number of Coral reefs are disappearing. Why? Due to the Climate Change.
How Coral reefs can be saved?- Take the most effective solution to implement global measure to combat climate change and save coral reefs.

(A) Some coral reefs have demonstrated remarkable resilience and have been able to survive in warmer ocean waters.
 Yes, but the argument is related to the large number of coral reefs that are disapperaing. Those mentioned in this choice may not form the part of the group who are disapperaing.

(B) There are many countries that are not in compliance with the global measures to combat climate change.
 Not affect the conclusion or the argument in any manner.

(C) Other factors, such as ocean pollution and destructive fishing practices, also contribute significantly to the loss of coral reefs.
 Correct, If there are other factors other than the climate change than "global measure to combat climate change " may not be the most effective solution to implement global measures.

(D) The implementation of global measures to combat climate change requires significant financial resources and international cooperation.
 It may be true in general,but the argument is not about that "due to lack of finance global measures to combat climate change, can not be pursued."

(E) Coral reefs provide a habitat for a large variety of marine life and play a crucial role in maintaining the health of the world's oceans.
 Correct in general, It suggest more reasons why we need to save them. It is strengthening the argument.

Paras96 · Answer

The argument presented suggests that the most effective solution to prevent further loss of coral reefs is to implement global measures to combat climate change, citing the warming of ocean waters due to climate change as the primary cause of coral reef disappearance. To weaken this argument, we need to find an option that suggests that combating climate change might not be the most effective or the sole solution to the problem. Let's evaluate each option:

(A) Some coral reefs have demonstrated remarkable resilience and have been able to survive in warmer ocean waters.
- This option weakens the argument because it suggests that not all coral reefs are equally affected by warmer waters, and some can adapt or survive.

(B) There are many countries that are not in compliance with the global measures to combat climate change.
- This option introduces the issue of non-compliance, but it doesn't directly weaken the argument that global measures to combat climate change are effective in preventing coral reef loss. It's more of a tangential concern.

(C) Other factors, such as ocean pollution and destructive fishing practices, also contribute significantly to the loss of coral reefs. 
- This option weakens the argument by suggesting that there are other significant factors besides climate change that contribute to coral reef loss. It implies that addressing these other factors may also be crucial.

(D) The implementation of global measures to combat climate change requires significant financial resources and international cooperation.
- While this option introduces a practical challenge, it doesn't directly weaken the argument that combating climate change is the most effective solution to protect coral reefs.

(E) Coral reefs provide a habitat for a large variety of marine life and play a crucial role in maintaining the health of the world's oceans.
- This option provides supporting information about the importance of coral reefs but doesn't weaken the argument that climate change is the primary cause of their loss.

Option (C) weakens the argument the most by suggesting that factors other than climate change significantly contribute to coral reef loss. Therefore, (C) is the correct choice.

In recent years, a large number of coral reefs have been disappearing

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In recent years, a large number of coral reefs have been disappearing

Prep Toolkit

615 to 715 in 15 Days (Ria's Strategies)

More than Quant/Verbal Abilities: Speed vs. Accuracy

745 with Only Self-Prep and GMAT Club

From 555 to 765: 210-point Improvement

Perfect 805 Score Debrief by Julia

My Rewards