alleryBotanist: Plant species X synthesizes high levels of toxic alkaloid compounds only when exposed to soil containing high concentrations of zinc. Therefore, finding species X in a meadow indicates that the meadow's soil contains high concentrations of zinc. The botanist's argument is vulnerable to criticism on the grounds that it assumes that:
ASpecies X cannot survive in soil lacking zinc.
BEvery specimen of species X in the meadow has synthesized toxic alkaloid compounds.
CAlkaloids produced by species X do not rapidly decompose in meadow soil.
DOther plant species in the meadow cannot synthesize alkaloid compounds.
EZinc is the sole nutrient essential for the growth of species X.
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: B. Every specimen of species X in the meadow has synthesized toxic alkaloid compounds.
The premise says species X synthesizes alkaloids ONLY when exposed to zinc. It does NOT say species X can only GROW in zinc soil. To conclude that the meadow soil has zinc merely from species X being present, the botanist must assume that the specimens have actually synthesized alkaloids (or require zinc).
Keep practising Critical Reasoning
Browse all Critical Reasoning questions for GMAT, or explore more Verbal Reasoning topics.
Related questions
Medical Researcher: Patients receiving Drug Z for hypertension exhibited a 25% lower incidPaleontologist: Fossilized tooth wear patterns in ancient hominid species H show micro-strEconomist: Last year, Country Y eliminated tariffs on imported solar panels. In the subseqEditorial: Over the past five years, city buses that installed interior security cameras rMatch each boldface argument role with its structural function in the passage:Match each classical formal fallacy with its flawed reasoning pattern:Match each Critical Reasoning question stem with its required logical objective:Match each core element of an argumentative structure with its analytical definition: