I would pick E

Provides an alternate cause(something other than sense of smell) for the stated effect(returning to the birth place fos nesting)

Weakens the hypothesis.

Regards,
CR

Hello Cramya,
Thanks for your reply
OA is E

What's wrong with B?
It also provides an alternate cause isn't it?

It puts forward Sand as a reason rather than Smell so what is wrong with B?

While B is a very close contender, it still does not rule out the possibility that the SAND SMELLS the same .
If the sand smells the same in different environments, then it again means that the smell is a cause for their behaviour.

E) clearly points out that the sense of smell has been destroyed, yet these turtles reach their birth place. indicating that something other than smell may be the reason.

While B is a very close contender, it still does not rule out the possibility that the SAND SMELLS the same .
If the sand smells the same in different environments, then it again means that the smell is a cause for their behaviour.

Thanks but

I am not arguing here, I would just like to know if a question like this pops up, isn't it that smell of sand derived from Option B?
I mean it could be visually more appropriate if we consider SAND!

B can give two sided meanings isn't it?

don't quite understand.

Difficult ' Undermine , weaken' questions provide you with 2 closely correct
choices sometimes.
One is simple Weaken / Undermine.
the other choice literally Destroys the argument.--> this is the BEST answer.

Here the sand from their birth places in any environment would lead us to
a) either the sand is responsible rather than the smell of the sand itself.
b) the smell of the sand is still responsible. ( this still can be assumed).

but in E
it clearly points out that the sense of smell is destroyed.

Now that makes sense.

Thanks a lot

I would choose E. But i am not sure of my answer

B should be the answer