Biologists have posited one reason why the giant tortoise, thought to be the animal with the longest life span in the world, enjoys such longevity. They argue that large, well-protected animals such as the tortoise can devote more biological resources to longevity, while animals that are more vulnerable devote their resources to procreating quickly and at an early age.

Which of the following most strengthens the biologists' argument?


(A) Tortoises that procreate quickly and at an early age tend to live longer than tortoises that devote their resources to protecting themselves. --- this actually weakens the assertion, so incorrect.

(B) Animals that procreate early, such as fruit flies, have shorter lifespans. --- this is close, but it does not tell us why tortoises have longer life spans, it simply tells us about animals that procreate early. We should check for better choices!

(C) The oldest tortoises on record live about twice as long as the oldest humans in history. ---- out of context

(D) Tortoises lay between one and thirty eggs at a time, while other animals may lay hundreds. ---- out of context

(E) Tortoises who face less pressure from predators tend to have longer lifespans.---- this strengthens the argument of the author because it shows that tortoises who feel well protected tend to live longer, and so have longer life spans.

Hence, E!

OA : B

The OA has to be a B. E is the repitation of the premise. It is again one of those flashy shops on the streets of New York. B actually gives a valid reason on the funda of procreating. If any animal procreates early, then that animal has a shorter life span.

So it makes the causal reasoning actually very strong.

Therefore the correct answer is B.

Hope this helps...