Q12 - After the disastrous 1986 accident

[Laura Damone]

Question Type:
Explain a Result

Stimulus Breakdown:
No argument on these questions, so we just need the facts:
The Chernobyl nuclear meltdown contaminated the area with radiation.
Wild animals there have very high levels of radiation in their muscles and bones.
Wildlife populations have expanded rapidly.

Answer Anticipation:
First, we need to break down the discrepancy: How come wildlife populations have expanded rapidly in spite of the very high levels of radiation the animals display? Maybe it's because people left the area so the wild beasts have taken over!

Correct answer:
E

Answer choice analysis:
(A) This doesn't change anything: We already know the animals there show high levels of radiation. Eliminate!

(B) This also doesn't change anything, because the animals still show high levels of radiation. Eliminate!

(C) So what…the region is big! What does that tell us about the likelihood of rapid animal population expansion? Nothing.

(D) Tempting…not all the chemicals depress fertility. But some of them do, so that doesn't help us. Plus, this is too narrow. It's just about birds and we need to explain a situation about all wildlife.

(E) Bingo. Matches our prediction. And even if we didn't predict, we can still select this one. The others are clearly wrong, and when the people are away, the beasts are free to play!

Takeaway/Pattern:
Break down Explain a Result stimuli using this template: "How come X happens (insert unexpected result), in spite of Y (insert fact that would make us think otherwise)." Also, beware answers of too weak a degree. "Some" in B and D are red flags. You need an answer that's strong enough to have an impact and resolve the paradox!

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