Mosquitoes pose a threat to human health. Controlling mosquitoes using chemicals may have undesired consequences. In Florida, authorities have used genetically modified mosquitoes to control the overall mosquito population. It remains to be seen if this novel approach has unforeseen consequences. Which one of the following is the correct logical inference based on the information in the above passage?
Using chemicals to kill mosquitoes may have undesired consequences but it is not clear if using genetically modified mosquitoes has any negative consequence
Mosquito Control Approaches and Consequences
The passage discusses different methods of controlling mosquitoes and their potential impact on human health. It specifically highlights two approaches: using chemicals and using genetically modified mosquitoes.
Understanding Chemical Mosquito Control
The passage clearly states that "Controlling mosquitoes using chemicals may have undesired consequences." This indicates that while chemical methods are used, their negative impacts are acknowledged. These "undesired consequences" could refer to environmental damage, harm to other species, or even resistance developing in mosquitoes over time.
Genetically Modified Mosquitoes (GMM) Approach
A newer approach mentioned in the passage involves using genetically modified mosquitoes. This method has been applied in Florida to control the overall mosquito population. However, the passage introduces a crucial point regarding this novel technique: "It remains to be seen if this novel approach has unforeseen consequences." This statement is key because it expresses uncertainty. It does not confirm that genetically modified mosquitoes have negative effects, nor does it deny them; rather, it emphasizes that such effects are currently unknown or unproven.
Analyzing Logical Inferences from the Passage
To identify the correct logical inference, we must carefully evaluate each option against the explicit statements and implications within the provided passage. A logical inference must be directly supported by the text, not by external knowledge or assumptions.
| Option | Analysis based on Passage | Conclusion |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Using chemicals to kill mosquitoes is better than using genetically modified mosquitoes because genetic engineering is dangerous. | The passage does not state that chemical control is "better," nor does it definitively say genetic engineering is "dangerous." It only states that the consequences of genetically modified mosquitoes are "unforeseen." | Incorrect |
| 2. Using genetically modified mosquitoes is better than using chemicals to kill mosquitoes because they do not have any side effects. | This contradicts the passage, which explicitly states, "It remains to be seen if this novel approach has unforeseen consequences." This means it's unknown if they have side effects, not that they definitely do not. | Incorrect |
| 3. Both using genetically modified mosquitoes and chemicals have undesired consequences and can be dangerous. | While chemicals are stated to have "undesired consequences," the passage does not confirm that genetically modified mosquitoes do have undesired or dangerous consequences. It only states that such consequences are "unforeseen" or yet to be determined. | Incorrect |
| 4. Using chemicals to kill mosquitoes may have undesired consequences but it is not clear if using genetically modified mosquitoes has any negative consequence. | This statement aligns perfectly with the passage. The passage states chemicals "may have undesired consequences," and for genetically modified mosquitoes, "It remains to be seen if this novel approach has unforeseen consequences," which directly translates to "it is not clear if... has any negative consequence." | Correct |
Conclusion on Mosquito Control Implications
Based on a careful reading of the passage, the most accurate logical inference is that while the negative impacts of chemical mosquito control are known, the long-term effects of using genetically modified mosquitoes are still under evaluation and are not yet fully understood. The passage emphasizes the uncertainty surrounding the consequences of this novel approach, which highlights the need for continued observation and research.
Important Questions from Paragraph
Four girls P, Q, R and S are studying languages in a University. P is learning French and Dutch. Q is learning Chinese and Japanese. R is learning Spanish and French. S is learning Dutch and Japanese.
Given that: French is easier than Dutch; Chinese is harder than Japanese; Dutch is easier than Japanese, and Spanish is easier than French.
Based on the above information, which girl is learning the most difficult pair of languages?
Humans are naturally compassionate and honest. In a study using strategically placed wallets that appear “lost”, it was found that wallets with money are more likely to be returned than wallets without money. Similarly, wallets that had a key and money are more likely to be returned than wallets with the same amount of money alone. This suggests that the primary reason for this behavior is compassion and empathy.
Which one of the following is the CORRECT logical inference based on the information in the above passage?
Fish belonging to species S in the deep sea have skins that are extremely black (ultra-black skin). This helps them not only to avoid predators but also sneakily attack their prey. However, having this extra layer of black pigment results in lower collagen on their skin, making their skin more fragile.
Which one of the following is the CORRECT logical inference based on the information in the above passage?
Healthy eating is a critical component of healthy aging. When should one start eating healthy? It turns out that it is never too early. For example, babies who start eating healthy in the first year are more likely to have better overall health as they get older.
Which one of the following is the CORRECT logical inference based on the information in the above passage?
In the last few years, several new shopping malls were opened in the city. The total number of visitors to the malls is impressive. However, the total revenue generated through sales in the shops in these malls is generally low.
Which one of the following is the CORRECT logical inference based on the information in the above passage?
