Question from CR Bible...Is the answer correct?

This topic has expert replies
Newbie | Next Rank: 10 Posts
Posts: 4
Joined: Sun Feb 12, 2012 4:13 pm
frnds...

I have a doubt reg a question in CR bible

It is well known that many species adapt to their environment, but it is usually assumed that only the most highly evolved species alter their environment in ways that aid their own survival. However, this characteristics is actually quite common. Certain species of plankton, for example, generate a gas that is converted in the atmosphere into particles of sulfate. These particles cause water vapor to condense, thus forming clouds over the ocean largely depends on the presence of these particles. More cloud cover means more sunlight is reflected, and so the earth absorbs less heat. Thus plankton cause the surface of the earth to be coller and this benefits the plankton.

Is the argument strong or weak?

as per CR bible it is strong as a viewpoint is presented and then this viewpoint is disputed with the example of a simple organism that changes its environment. Also the author has successfully shown that non-highly evolved species exhibit that characteristic, making it likely that the characteristics appears in other species.

I have a doubt. How can this argument be strong. I feel it is week because

1. The author has proved only with planktons. There arent any other examples.
2. More importantly we dont know if planktons are non-highly evolved species as it is not explicitly mentioned in the sentence.(assume that I dont know anything about planktons)


Pls correct me if I am wrong
Source: — Critical Reasoning |