GMAT Verbal & Essays

Conservationist: The population of a certain wildflower is so small that the species isheaded for extinction. However, this wildflower can cross-pollinate with a closelyrelated domesticated daisy, producing viable seeds. Such cross-pollination could result in a significant population of wildflower-daisy hybrids. The daisy should therefore be introduced into the wildflower's range, since although the hybrid would differ markedly from the wildflower, hybridization is the only means of preventing total loss of the wildflower in its range.

Which one of the following is an assumption on which the conservationist's reasoning depends?
(A) The wildflower currently reproduces only by forming seeds.
(B)The domesticated daisy was bred from wild plants that once grew in the wildflower's range.
(C)Increasing the population of the wildflower will also expand its range.
(D)Wildflower-daisy hybrids will be able to reproduce.
(E)The domesticated daisy will cross-pollinate with any daisy like plant.

OA after some discussion

IMO D .


Whats the OA ?

Conclusion: Daisy should be introduced to wildflower's range. Hybrid is ONLY means to prevent "total loss" of wildflower.

Evidence: Wildflower headed for extinction. Can produce seeds with daisy & "could" make hybrids.

Assumptions: Wildflower-daisy hybrids won't be extinct as well? Wildflower can't cross-pollinate with others? Cross-pollination will work to save wildflower?

Question Rephrase: What needs to be true for the conclusion to be true?

Prediction: Something to add credence to the "only means" and "total loss."

(A) If the wildflower reproduces only by forming seeds, then it strengthens the author's claim that hybridization is the "only means."

(B) If the daisy descends from the wildflower, then it's range would not be a "total loss."

(C) The relationship between "population" and "range" is not the focus of the argument.

(D) If they can reproduce, then the wildflower would live on.

(E) We need to focus on the wildflower.

This is a tricky one, indeed since IMO A and D both strengthen. IMO: A since it seems to most clearly support the wording of the conclusion.

Thanks Vivian , got to understand it now , it was bit tricky . I didnt possibly see the options of producing seeds and hybridization .

If D is false, then such hybridization will do nothing to ensure its survival even in the hybrid form. Thus the conclusion is false if D is false. On the other hand, even if A is false, the species is headed for extinction. The conclusion could still be true even if A is false.

rahul_tgsp wrote:Conservationist: The population of a certain wildflower is so small that the species isheaded for extinction. However, this wildflower can cross-pollinate with a closelyrelated domesticated daisy, producing viable seeds. Such cross-pollination could result in a significant population of wildflower-daisy hybrids. The daisy should therefore be introduced into the wildflower's range, since although the hybrid would differ markedly from the wildflower, hybridization is the only means of preventing total loss of the wildflower in its range.

Which one of the following is an assumption on which the conservationist's reasoning depends?
(A) The wildflower currently reproduces only by forming seeds.
(B)The domesticated daisy was bred from wild plants that once grew in the wildflower's range.
(C)Increasing the population of the wildflower will also expand its range.
(D)Wildflower-daisy hybrids will be able to reproduce.
(E)The domesticated daisy will cross-pollinate with any daisy like plant.

OA after some discussion

thanks a lot guys for replying
the OA is D
AIM n kevincanspain got it right n kevin did give a proper judgement that if the statement is negated only D attacks the conclusion as A mayn't have any effect on the conclusion

IMO A
unable to understand why D is right
Please tell that if plant can reproduce by some other means, why then it is headed for extinction.

My concern with D is that is seems to simply restate evidence. We are told that the cross produces "viable" seeds". Doesn't "viable" mean they will be able to reproduce?

Hello everyone.

I was also confused between A and D but finally picked up D.

I felt D to be more precise over A, as D is closely tied to the argument which is about protecting the wild flower species and save them from extinction at the cost of compromise of their purity of breed. Moreover, since this is cited as the only option available to safeguard the wild flower species, the reproduction of wildflower, either from their own seed or from cross pollination, seems to be out of scope.

I am not an expert and by no means I intend to question the experts' opinion.

I am only trying to put forth my views on this question.

Experts please guide.