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One summer, floods covered low-lying garlic fields situated in a region with a large mosquito population. Since mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water, flooded fields would normally attract mosquitoes, yet no mosquitoes were found in the fields. Diallyl sulfide, a major component of garlic, is known to repel several species of insects, including mosquitoes, so it is likely that diallyl sulfide from the garlic repelled the mosquitoes.
Which of the following, if true, most strengthens the argument?
  • a)
    Diallyl sulfide is also found in onions but at concentrations lower than in garlic.
  • b)
    The mosquito population of the region as a whole was significantly smaller during the year in which the flooding took place than it had been in previous years.
  • c)
    By the end of the summer, most of the garlic plants in the flooded fields had been killed by waterborne fungi.
  • d)
    Many insect species not repelled by diallyl sulfide were found in the flooded garlic fields throughout the summer.
  • e)
    Mosquitoes are known to be susceptible to toxins in plants other than garlic, such as marigolds.
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?
Verified Answer
One summer, floods covered low-lying garlic fields situated in a...
(A) Diallyl sulfide is also found in onions but at concentrations lower than in garlic.
This option weakens the argument. If onions contain diallyl sulfide, albeit at lower concentrations, it suggests that the absence of mosquitoes in the flooded garlic fields may not be solely attributed to diallyl sulfide.
(B) The mosquito population of the region as a whole was significantly smaller during the year in which the flooding took place than it had been in previous years.
This option weakens the argument. If the mosquito population as a whole was smaller during the year of flooding, it provides an alternative explanation for the absence of mosquitoes in the flooded garlic fields, which may not necessarily be due to the repelling effect of diallyl sulfide.
(C) By the end of the summer, most of the garlic plants in the flooded fields had been killed by waterborne fungi.
This option weakens the argument. If the garlic plants were killed by waterborne fungi, it raises the possibility that the absence of mosquitoes in the flooded garlic fields was due to the unfavorable conditions caused by the fungi rather than the repelling effect of diallyl sulfide.
(D) Many insect species not repelled by diallyl sulfide were found in the flooded garlic fields throughout the summer.
This option strengthens the argument. If other insect species, which are not repelled by diallyl sulfide, were found in the flooded garlic fields, it suggests that the absence of mosquitoes in the fields may indeed be attributed to the repelling effect of diallyl sulfide.
(E) Mosquitoes are known to be susceptible to toxins in plants other than garlic, such as marigolds.
This option is not directly relevant to the argument. It discusses the susceptibility of mosquitoes to toxins in other plants but does not provide additional support for the claim that diallyl sulfide from garlic repelled the mosquitoes.
Based on the analysis, the option that most strengthens the argument is:
(D) Many insect species not repelled by diallyl sulfide were found in the flooded garlic fields throughout the summer.
This option supports the argument by highlighting that other insect species, which are not repelled by diallyl sulfide, were present in the flooded garlic fields. This reinforces the idea that the absence of mosquitoes in the fields was specifically due to the repelling effect of diallyl sulfide.
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Most Upvoted Answer
One summer, floods covered low-lying garlic fields situated in a...
(A) Diallyl sulfide is also found in onions but at concentrations lower than in garlic.
This option weakens the argument. If onions contain diallyl sulfide, albeit at lower concentrations, it suggests that the absence of mosquitoes in the flooded garlic fields may not be solely attributed to diallyl sulfide.
(B) The mosquito population of the region as a whole was significantly smaller during the year in which the flooding took place than it had been in previous years.
This option weakens the argument. If the mosquito population as a whole was smaller during the year of flooding, it provides an alternative explanation for the absence of mosquitoes in the flooded garlic fields, which may not necessarily be due to the repelling effect of diallyl sulfide.
(C) By the end of the summer, most of the garlic plants in the flooded fields had been killed by waterborne fungi.
This option weakens the argument. If the garlic plants were killed by waterborne fungi, it raises the possibility that the absence of mosquitoes in the flooded garlic fields was due to the unfavorable conditions caused by the fungi rather than the repelling effect of diallyl sulfide.
(D) Many insect species not repelled by diallyl sulfide were found in the flooded garlic fields throughout the summer.
This option strengthens the argument. If other insect species, which are not repelled by diallyl sulfide, were found in the flooded garlic fields, it suggests that the absence of mosquitoes in the fields may indeed be attributed to the repelling effect of diallyl sulfide.
(E) Mosquitoes are known to be susceptible to toxins in plants other than garlic, such as marigolds.
This option is not directly relevant to the argument. It discusses the susceptibility of mosquitoes to toxins in other plants but does not provide additional support for the claim that diallyl sulfide from garlic repelled the mosquitoes.
Based on the analysis, the option that most strengthens the argument is:
(D) Many insect species not repelled by diallyl sulfide were found in the flooded garlic fields throughout the summer.
This option supports the argument by highlighting that other insect species, which are not repelled by diallyl sulfide, were present in the flooded garlic fields. This reinforces the idea that the absence of mosquitoes in the fields was specifically due to the repelling effect of diallyl sulfide.
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A basic principle of ecology is that population size is partly a reflection of available food resources. Recent experiments suggest that the relationship is more complex than formerly thought. Specifically, the browsing of certain rodents appears to trigger chemical reactions in food plants which, in turn, affect the size of the rodent populations. Two examples of such regulation have been reported.Berger has demonstrated the power of a naturally occurring chemical called 6-MBOA to stimulate reproductive behavior in the mountain vole, a small mouse-like rodent. 6 MBOA forms in young grass in response to browsing by voles. Berger experimented by feeding oats coated with 6-MBOA to non-breeding winter populations of voles. After three weeks, she found a high incidence of pregnancy among females. Since the timing of reproduction is crucial to the short-lived vole in an environment in which the onset of vegetative growth may be considerably delayed, the phytochemical triggering of reproductive behavior represents a significant biological adaptation.In an example reported by Bryant, plants appear to have developed a phytochemical defense against the depredations of snowshoe hares in Canada. Every ten years, for reasons that are unclear, the hare population swells. The result is overbrowsing of certain deciduous trees and shrubs. Bryant found that trees favored by the hare produce young shoots high in terpene and phenolic resins, which discourage hare browsing. After treating non-resinous willow twigs with resinous extracts and placing treated and untreated samples at hare feeding stations, Bryant found that samples containing at least half of the resin concentration of natural twigs were untouched. The avoidance of resinous shoots, he concludes, may play a role in the decline of the hare population to normal levels.Both of these reports suggest areas for further research. For example, data should be reviewed to determine if periodic population explosions among lemmings (another small rodent living in a northern environment) occur during years in which there is an early onset of vegetative growth; if so, a triggering mechanism similar to that prompted by the vole may be involved.Which of the following statements can be inferred about plant shoots containing large amounts of terpene and phenolic resins?I. They serve as a form of natural defense.II. Their growth is stimulated by increases in the hare population.III. They are unappetizing to hares.

A basic principle of ecology is that population size is partly a reflection of available food resources. Recent experiments suggest that the relationship is more complex than formerly thought. Specifically, the browsing of certain rodents appears to trigger chemical reactions in food plants which, in turn, affect the size of the rodent populations. Two examples of such regulation have been reported.Berger has demonstrated the power of a naturally occurring chemical called 6-MBOA to stimulate reproductive behavior in the mountain vole, a small mouse-like rodent. 6 MBOA forms in young grass in response to browsing by voles. Berger experimented by feeding oats coated with 6-MBOA to non-breeding winter populations of voles. After three weeks, she found a high incidence of pregnancy among females. Since the timing of reproduction is crucial to the short-lived vole in an environment in which the onset of vegetative growth may be considerably delayed, the phytochemical triggering of reproductive behavior represents a significant biological adaptation.In an example reported by Bryant, plants appear to have developed a phytochemical defense against the depredations of snowshoe hares in Canada. Every ten years, for reasons that are unclear, the hare population swells. The result is overbrowsing of certain deciduous trees and shrubs. Bryant found that trees favored by the hare produce young shoots high in terpene and phenolic resins, which discourage hare browsing. After treating non-resinous willow twigs with resinous extracts and placing treated and untreated samples at hare feeding stations, Bryant found that samples containing at least half of the resin concentration of natural twigs were untouched. The avoidance of resinous shoots, he concludes, may play a role in the decline of the hare population to normal levels.Both of these reports suggest areas for further research. For example, data should be reviewed to determine if periodic population explosions among lemmings (another small rodent living in a northern environment) occur during years in which there is an early onset of vegetative growth; if so, a triggering mechanism similar to that prompted by the vole may be involved.The passage describes the effect of 6-MBOA on voles as a “significant biological adaptation” because it

A basic principle of ecology is that population size is partly a reflection of available food resources. Recent experiments suggest that the relationship is more complex than formerly thought. Specifically, the browsing of certain rodents appears to trigger chemical reactions in food plants which, in turn, affect the size of the rodent populations. Two examples of such regulation have been reported.Berger has demonstrated the power of a naturally occurring chemical called 6-MBOA to stimulate reproductive behavior in the mountain vole, a small mouse-like rodent. 6 MBOA forms in young grass in response to browsing by voles. Berger experimented by feeding oats coated with 6-MBOA to non-breeding winter populations of voles. After three weeks, she found a high incidence of pregnancy among females. Since the timing of reproduction is crucial to the short-lived vole in an environment in which the onset of vegetative growth may be considerably delayed, the phytochemical triggering of reproductive behavior represents a significant biological adaptation.In an example reported by Bryant, plants appear to have developed a phytochemical defense against the depredations of snowshoe hares in Canada. Every ten years, for reasons that are unclear, the hare population swells. The result is overbrowsing of certain deciduous trees and shrubs. Bryant found that trees favored by the hare produce young shoots high in terpene and phenolic resins, which discourage hare browsing. After treating non-resinous willow twigs with resinous extracts and placing treated and untreated samples at hare feeding stations, Bryant found that samples containing at least half of the resin concentration of natural twigs were untouched. The avoidance of resinous shoots, he concludes, may play a role in the decline of the hare population to normal levels.Both of these reports suggest areas for further research. For example, data should be reviewed to determine if periodic population explosions among lemmings (another small rodent living in a northern environment) occur during years in which there is an early onset of vegetative growth; if so, a triggering mechanism similar to that prompted by the vole may be involved.The author provides specific information to answer which of the following questions?

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One summer, floods covered low-lying garlic fields situated in a region with a large mosquito population. Since mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water, flooded fields would normally attract mosquitoes, yet no mosquitoes were found in the fields. Diallyl sulfide, a major component of garlic, is known to repel several species of insects, including mosquitoes, so it is likely that diallyl sulfide from the garlic repelled the mosquitoes.Which of the following, if true, most strengthens the argument?a)Diallyl sulfide is also found in onions but at concentrations lower than in garlic.b)The mosquito population of the region as a whole was significantly smaller during the year in which the flooding took place than it had been in previous years.c)By the end of the summer, most of the garlic plants in the flooded fields had been killed by waterborne fungi.d)Many insect species not repelled by diallyl sulfide were found in the flooded garlic fields throughout the summer.e)Mosquitoes are known to be susceptible to toxins in plants other than garlic, such as marigolds.Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?
Question Description
One summer, floods covered low-lying garlic fields situated in a region with a large mosquito population. Since mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water, flooded fields would normally attract mosquitoes, yet no mosquitoes were found in the fields. Diallyl sulfide, a major component of garlic, is known to repel several species of insects, including mosquitoes, so it is likely that diallyl sulfide from the garlic repelled the mosquitoes.Which of the following, if true, most strengthens the argument?a)Diallyl sulfide is also found in onions but at concentrations lower than in garlic.b)The mosquito population of the region as a whole was significantly smaller during the year in which the flooding took place than it had been in previous years.c)By the end of the summer, most of the garlic plants in the flooded fields had been killed by waterborne fungi.d)Many insect species not repelled by diallyl sulfide were found in the flooded garlic fields throughout the summer.e)Mosquitoes are known to be susceptible to toxins in plants other than garlic, such as marigolds.Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer? for GMAT 2025 is part of GMAT preparation. The Question and answers have been prepared according to the GMAT exam syllabus. Information about One summer, floods covered low-lying garlic fields situated in a region with a large mosquito population. Since mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water, flooded fields would normally attract mosquitoes, yet no mosquitoes were found in the fields. Diallyl sulfide, a major component of garlic, is known to repel several species of insects, including mosquitoes, so it is likely that diallyl sulfide from the garlic repelled the mosquitoes.Which of the following, if true, most strengthens the argument?a)Diallyl sulfide is also found in onions but at concentrations lower than in garlic.b)The mosquito population of the region as a whole was significantly smaller during the year in which the flooding took place than it had been in previous years.c)By the end of the summer, most of the garlic plants in the flooded fields had been killed by waterborne fungi.d)Many insect species not repelled by diallyl sulfide were found in the flooded garlic fields throughout the summer.e)Mosquitoes are known to be susceptible to toxins in plants other than garlic, such as marigolds.Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer? covers all topics & solutions for GMAT 2025 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, meanings, examples, exercises and tests below for One summer, floods covered low-lying garlic fields situated in a region with a large mosquito population. Since mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water, flooded fields would normally attract mosquitoes, yet no mosquitoes were found in the fields. Diallyl sulfide, a major component of garlic, is known to repel several species of insects, including mosquitoes, so it is likely that diallyl sulfide from the garlic repelled the mosquitoes.Which of the following, if true, most strengthens the argument?a)Diallyl sulfide is also found in onions but at concentrations lower than in garlic.b)The mosquito population of the region as a whole was significantly smaller during the year in which the flooding took place than it had been in previous years.c)By the end of the summer, most of the garlic plants in the flooded fields had been killed by waterborne fungi.d)Many insect species not repelled by diallyl sulfide were found in the flooded garlic fields throughout the summer.e)Mosquitoes are known to be susceptible to toxins in plants other than garlic, such as marigolds.Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?.
Solutions for One summer, floods covered low-lying garlic fields situated in a region with a large mosquito population. Since mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water, flooded fields would normally attract mosquitoes, yet no mosquitoes were found in the fields. Diallyl sulfide, a major component of garlic, is known to repel several species of insects, including mosquitoes, so it is likely that diallyl sulfide from the garlic repelled the mosquitoes.Which of the following, if true, most strengthens the argument?a)Diallyl sulfide is also found in onions but at concentrations lower than in garlic.b)The mosquito population of the region as a whole was significantly smaller during the year in which the flooding took place than it had been in previous years.c)By the end of the summer, most of the garlic plants in the flooded fields had been killed by waterborne fungi.d)Many insect species not repelled by diallyl sulfide were found in the flooded garlic fields throughout the summer.e)Mosquitoes are known to be susceptible to toxins in plants other than garlic, such as marigolds.Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer? in English & in Hindi are available as part of our courses for GMAT. Download more important topics, notes, lectures and mock test series for GMAT Exam by signing up for free.
Here you can find the meaning of One summer, floods covered low-lying garlic fields situated in a region with a large mosquito population. Since mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water, flooded fields would normally attract mosquitoes, yet no mosquitoes were found in the fields. Diallyl sulfide, a major component of garlic, is known to repel several species of insects, including mosquitoes, so it is likely that diallyl sulfide from the garlic repelled the mosquitoes.Which of the following, if true, most strengthens the argument?a)Diallyl sulfide is also found in onions but at concentrations lower than in garlic.b)The mosquito population of the region as a whole was significantly smaller during the year in which the flooding took place than it had been in previous years.c)By the end of the summer, most of the garlic plants in the flooded fields had been killed by waterborne fungi.d)Many insect species not repelled by diallyl sulfide were found in the flooded garlic fields throughout the summer.e)Mosquitoes are known to be susceptible to toxins in plants other than garlic, such as marigolds.Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer? defined & explained in the simplest way possible. Besides giving the explanation of One summer, floods covered low-lying garlic fields situated in a region with a large mosquito population. Since mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water, flooded fields would normally attract mosquitoes, yet no mosquitoes were found in the fields. Diallyl sulfide, a major component of garlic, is known to repel several species of insects, including mosquitoes, so it is likely that diallyl sulfide from the garlic repelled the mosquitoes.Which of the following, if true, most strengthens the argument?a)Diallyl sulfide is also found in onions but at concentrations lower than in garlic.b)The mosquito population of the region as a whole was significantly smaller during the year in which the flooding took place than it had been in previous years.c)By the end of the summer, most of the garlic plants in the flooded fields had been killed by waterborne fungi.d)Many insect species not repelled by diallyl sulfide were found in the flooded garlic fields throughout the summer.e)Mosquitoes are known to be susceptible to toxins in plants other than garlic, such as marigolds.Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?, a detailed solution for One summer, floods covered low-lying garlic fields situated in a region with a large mosquito population. Since mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water, flooded fields would normally attract mosquitoes, yet no mosquitoes were found in the fields. Diallyl sulfide, a major component of garlic, is known to repel several species of insects, including mosquitoes, so it is likely that diallyl sulfide from the garlic repelled the mosquitoes.Which of the following, if true, most strengthens the argument?a)Diallyl sulfide is also found in onions but at concentrations lower than in garlic.b)The mosquito population of the region as a whole was significantly smaller during the year in which the flooding took place than it had been in previous years.c)By the end of the summer, most of the garlic plants in the flooded fields had been killed by waterborne fungi.d)Many insect species not repelled by diallyl sulfide were found in the flooded garlic fields throughout the summer.e)Mosquitoes are known to be susceptible to toxins in plants other than garlic, such as marigolds.Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer? has been provided alongside types of One summer, floods covered low-lying garlic fields situated in a region with a large mosquito population. Since mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water, flooded fields would normally attract mosquitoes, yet no mosquitoes were found in the fields. Diallyl sulfide, a major component of garlic, is known to repel several species of insects, including mosquitoes, so it is likely that diallyl sulfide from the garlic repelled the mosquitoes.Which of the following, if true, most strengthens the argument?a)Diallyl sulfide is also found in onions but at concentrations lower than in garlic.b)The mosquito population of the region as a whole was significantly smaller during the year in which the flooding took place than it had been in previous years.c)By the end of the summer, most of the garlic plants in the flooded fields had been killed by waterborne fungi.d)Many insect species not repelled by diallyl sulfide were found in the flooded garlic fields throughout the summer.e)Mosquitoes are known to be susceptible to toxins in plants other than garlic, such as marigolds.Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer? theory, EduRev gives you an ample number of questions to practice One summer, floods covered low-lying garlic fields situated in a region with a large mosquito population. Since mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water, flooded fields would normally attract mosquitoes, yet no mosquitoes were found in the fields. Diallyl sulfide, a major component of garlic, is known to repel several species of insects, including mosquitoes, so it is likely that diallyl sulfide from the garlic repelled the mosquitoes.Which of the following, if true, most strengthens the argument?a)Diallyl sulfide is also found in onions but at concentrations lower than in garlic.b)The mosquito population of the region as a whole was significantly smaller during the year in which the flooding took place than it had been in previous years.c)By the end of the summer, most of the garlic plants in the flooded fields had been killed by waterborne fungi.d)Many insect species not repelled by diallyl sulfide were found in the flooded garlic fields throughout the summer.e)Mosquitoes are known to be susceptible to toxins in plants other than garlic, such as marigolds.Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer? tests, examples and also practice GMAT tests.
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