Subalpine Meadows

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Subalpine Meadows

by Neilsheth2 » Sun Sep 20, 2015 5:42 pm
In Colorado subalpine meadows, nonnative dandelions co-occur with a native flower, the larkspur. Bumblebees visit both species, creating the potential for interactions between the two species with respect to pollination. In a recent study, researchers selected 16 plots containing both species; all dandelions were removed �om eight plots; the remaining eight control plots were left undisturbed. The control plots yielded significantly more larkspur seeds than the dandelion-free plots, leading the researchers to conclude that the presence of dandelions facilitates pollination (and hence seed production) in the native species by attracting more pollinators to the mixed plots.

Which of the following, if true, most seriously undermines the researchers' reasoning?

A. Bumblebees preferentially visit dandelions over larkspurs in mixed plots.

B. In mixed plots, pollinators can transfer pollen from one species to another to augment seed production.

C. If left unchecked, nonnative species like dandelions quickly crowd out native species.

D. Seed germination is a more reliable measure of a species' �tness than seed production.

E. Soil disturbances can result in fewer blooms, and hence lower seed production.

The OA is E
[spoiler]I got the answer using Cause and Effect. Is this the correct way to do ? Dandelions Cause Pollination =This inherently assumes that without Dandelion there is no Pollination. To weaken it there might be an alternative Cause. OA E clearly says that Soil disturbances might be another reason[/spoiler]. I would like to know whether my way of doing this question is correct?
Source: — Critical Reasoning |

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by GMATGuruNY » Wed Sep 23, 2015 3:09 am
In Colorado subalpine meadows, non-native dandelions co-occur with a native flower, the larkspur. Bumblebees visit both species, creating the potential for interactions between the two species with respect to pollination. In a recent study, researchers selected 6 plots containing both species; all dandelions were removed from eight plots; the remaining eight control plots were left undisturbed. The control plots yielded significantly more larkspur seeds than the dandelion- free plots, leading the researchers to conclude that the presence of dandelions facilitates pollination (and hence, seed production) in the native species by attractive more pollinators to the mixed plots.

Which of the following, if true, mostly undermines the researchers' reasoning?

A: Bumblebees preferentially visit dandelions over larkspurs in mixed plots
B: In mixed plots, pollinators can transfer pollen from one species to another to augment seed production
C: If left unchecked, non-native species like dandelions quickly crowd out native species
D: Seed germination is a more reliable measure of a species' fitness than seed production
E: Soil disturbances can result in fewer blooms, and hence lower seed production[/b]
Premise:
After dandelions were removed from 8 plots, these 8 plots yielded fewer larkspur seeds than did the control plots.
Conclusion:
The presence of dandelions facilitates pollination.

The assumption is that there is NO OTHER EXPLANATION for the lower seed yield in the 8 plots from which dandelions were removed.
One way to weaken the conclusion is to suggest an ALTERNATE EXPLANATION for the lower seed yield in these 8 plots.

Answer choice E: Soil disturbances can result in fewer blooms, and hence lower seed production.
Implication:
The lower seed yield in the 8 plots was due NOT to the absence of dandelions but to the SOIL DISTURBANCE that occurred when the dandelions were removed, WEAKENING the conclusion that the presence of dandelions facilitates pollination.

The correct answer is E.
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by parry » Tue Oct 20, 2015 3:45 pm
Hi GMATGuruNY,

I am cofused between C & E.

C says: if left unchecked, nonnative species like dandelions quickly crowd out native species.

So beacause of quick overcrowding, the pollinators will have to settle with dandelions even if the pollinators are more attracted towards native larkspur. Therefore the alternative explanation that it not the presence of dandelions but the overcrowding that is facilitating pollination.

Some thoughts please.

Regards

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by GMATGuruNY » Wed Oct 21, 2015 3:03 am
parry wrote:Hi GMATGuruNY,

I am cofused between C & E.

C says: if left unchecked, nonnative species like dandelions quickly crowd out native species.

So beacause of quick overcrowding, the pollinators will have to settle with dandelions even if the pollinators are more attracted towards native larkspur. Therefore the alternative explanation that it not the presence of dandelions but the overcrowding that is facilitating pollination.

Some thoughts please.

Regards
C: If left unchecked, non-native species like dandelions quickly crowd out native species.
To weaken the researchers' conclusion, the correct answer choice must offer an alternate explanation for the results of the researchers' study.
In the researcher's study, there was no overcrowding.
It is stated as a PREMISE -- as a FACT not in dispute -- that the plot with both dandelions and larkspurs yielded more larkspur seeds than did the dandelion-free plots.
Since the information in C has no bearing on the results of the researcher's study, eliminate C.
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