Experts studying patterns of shark attacks on humans have noted that attacks tend to diminish when the water temperature

[BTGmoderatorDC]

Experts studying patterns of shark attacks on humans have noted that attacks tend to diminish when the water temperature drops below 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Until recently, researchers believed this was because sharks prefer warmer water, and thus are present in fewer numbers in colder water. However, new research shows that sharks are present in equal numbers in cold and warm water.

Which of the following, if true, best explains the apparent paradox?

(A) In general, humans prefer warm water.

(B) Sharks’ keen sense of smell is enhanced in cold water.

(C) In the Pacific, shark attacks tend to occur more frequently in the daytime.

(D) Of the more than 200 types of sharks present in the ocean, only three attack humans.

(E) The average temperature of the earth’s oceans is 55 degrees.



OA A

Source: Princeton Review

[deloitte247]

Premise: Experts studying patterns of shark attacks on humans have noted that attacks tend to diminish when the water temperature drops below 65 degrees Fahrenheit.

Conclusion: Until recently, researchers believed this was because sharks prefer warmer water, and thus are present in fewer numbers in colder water, whereas, new research shows that sharks are present in equal numbers in cold and warm water.

Now, let's solve the provided options and see the one that best explains the apparent paradox in this passage.

Option A - Correct:
With respect to the passage, sharks attack humans more when in warm water than cold water because they prefer warm water which is also the same for humans as expressed in this option. And as such, they are more active in attacking humans when in warm water as compared to cold water. Therefore, this option is correct.

Option B - Incorrect:
The nature of water does not determine Shark's keen sense of smell. And even at that, they attack more in warm water as compared to cold water. So, this claim is wrong!

Option C - Incorrect:
This claim cannot be validated from the passage. So, it is out of context with respect to this passage.

Option D - Incorrect:
There is no statistics evaluation proof from the passage on the various types of fishes available and the number of them that attack humans. Therefore, this claim does not hold a strong basis in this context.

Option E - Incorrect:
This claim is not true because there is no proof in the passage to back up this claim on if the average temperature of the earth’s oceans is 55 degrees. So, it is false.