Meteorologist: The number of tornadoes reported annually has more than doubled since the 1950s. But their actual number has probably not increased, Our ability to find tornadoes has improved, so we're probably just finding a higher percentage of them than we used to.
Which one of the following, if true, provides the most support for the meteorologist's argument?The meteorologist argues that the rise in reported tornadoes reflects
better detection rather than more tornadoes actually occurring. The strongest support would show that the increase is concentrated among tornadoes that were easier to miss in the past.
(A) The physical damage caused by the average tornado has remained roughly constant since the 1950s.
Incorrect. Similar average damage does not tell us whether the actual number of tornadoes has increased.
(B) The number of tornadoes hitting major population centers annually has more than doubled since the 1950s.
Incorrect. Tornadoes in major population centers are especially likely to be noticed, so this suggests that
actual tornado activity may have increased.
(C) The number of large and medium sized tornadoes reported annually has remained roughly constant since the 1950s.
Correct. Large and medium tornadoes were relatively difficult to miss even in the past. If their reported number has stayed constant while total reported tornadoes have more than doubled, the increase must largely involve smaller tornadoes, which improved detection would be especially likely to uncover.
(D) The annual number of deaths due to tornadoes has increased steadily since the 1950s.
Incorrect. More deaths could suggest increased tornado activity rather than merely improved detection.
(E) The geographic range in which tornadoes are most prevalent has remained roughly constant since the 1950s.
Incorrect. A stable geographic range does not tell us whether the actual number of tornadoes has changed.
Answer: (C)