In the past year, there has been a dramatic increase in the number of people killed by alligators in Florida. During this same time, there has been an increase in the development of new houses, golf courses, and shopping areas in former wilderness areas within the state. Therefore, the increase in fatal alligator attacks must have been caused by the increase in the number of humans living in the alligator’s habitat.
Which of the following, if true, most seriously calls into question the explanation above?
A. Two years ago, a government initiative to reduce the alligator population size by destroying alligator eggs ended.
B. An increase in fatal alligator attacks tends to make people more cautious around lakes, ponds, swamps and canals.
C. The number of people killed by snake bites, spider bites and scorpion stings
D. Many of the new state residents have moved to newly constructed areas near water that is suitable for habitation by alligators.
E. The undeveloped areas of Florida have decreased in area by 5% in the past year.
[spoiler]OA: A[/spoiler]
Which of the following, if true, most seriously calls into question the explanation above?
A. Two years ago, a government initiative to reduce the alligator population size by destroying alligator eggs ended.
B. An increase in fatal alligator attacks tends to make people more cautious around lakes, ponds, swamps and canals.
C. The number of people killed by snake bites, spider bites and scorpion stings
D. Many of the new state residents have moved to newly constructed areas near water that is suitable for habitation by alligators.
E. The undeveloped areas of Florida have decreased in area by 5% in the past year.
[spoiler]OA: A[/spoiler]
