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Scientists have modified feed corn genetically, increasing its resistance to insect pests. Farmers who tried out the genetically modified corn last season applied less insecticide to their corn fields and still got yields comparable to those they would have gotten with ordinary corn. Ordinary corn seed, however, costs less, and what these farmers saved on insecticide rarely exceeded their extra costs for seed. Therefore, for most feed-corn farmers, switching to genetically modified seed would be unlikely to increase profits.
Which of the following would it be most useful to know in order to evaluate the argument?
  • a)
    Whether there are insect pests that sometimes reduce feed-corn yields, but against which commonly used insecticides and the genetic modification are equally ineffective
  • b)
    Whether the price that farmers receive for feed corn has remained steady over the past few years
  • c)
    Whether the insecticides typically used on feed corn tend to be more expensive than insecticides typically used on other crops
  • d)
    Whether most of the farmers who tried the genetically modified corn last season applied more insecticide than was actually necessary
  • e)
    Whether, for most farmers who plant feed corn, it is their most profitable crop
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?
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Most Upvoted Answer
Scientists have modified feed corn genetically, increasing its resista...
The argument states that farmers who used genetically modified (GM) feed corn applied less insecticide and still achieved comparable yields to ordinary corn. However, the cost of GM corn seed is higher than ordinary corn seed, and the savings on insecticide rarely exceeded the extra seed costs. Therefore, the argument concludes that switching to GM seed would be unlikely to increase profits for most feed-corn farmers.
To evaluate this argument, we need to identify the missing information that would help us assess the validity of the conclusion. Let's consider each answer choice:
(A) Whether there are insect pests that sometimes reduce feed-corn yields, but against which commonly used insecticides and the genetic modification are equally ineffective.
This information is not directly relevant to the profitability of switching to GM seed. The argument is focused on the reduction of insecticide use and cost savings, rather than the effectiveness of insecticides or genetic modification against specific pests.
(B) Whether the price that farmers receive for feed corn has remained steady over the past few years.
This information may be important in understanding the financial aspect of switching to GM seed. However, the argument primarily focuses on the cost difference between GM and ordinary corn seed, as well as the savings from reduced insecticide use. The stability of feed corn prices does not directly address these points.
(C) Whether the insecticides typically used on feed corn tend to be more expensive than insecticides typically used on other crops.
This information could be relevant to the cost comparison between insecticides used on feed corn and those used on other crops. However, the argument does not make a comparison between feed corn and other crops, so this information is not crucial to evaluate the profitability of switching to GM seed.
(D) Whether most of the farmers who tried the genetically modified corn last season applied more insecticide than was actually necessary.
This answer choice directly addresses the argument's claim that farmers using GM corn applied less insecticide. If it turns out that most farmers using GM corn actually applied more insecticide than necessary, it would undermine the argument's assertion of reduced insecticide use. This information is vital to evaluating the profitability of switching to GM seed.
(E) Whether, for most farmers who plant feed corn, it is their most profitable crop.
This information focuses on the overall profitability of feed corn as a crop choice for farmers. While this information could be relevant in some contexts, it does not specifically address the cost savings or increased profits resulting from switching to GM seed.
Given the above analysis, option (D) is the most useful piece of information to evaluate the argument. It directly addresses the argument's claim about reduced insecticide use, which is crucial in assessing the profitability of switching to GM seed.
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Community Answer
Scientists have modified feed corn genetically, increasing its resista...
The argument states that farmers who used genetically modified (GM) feed corn applied less insecticide and still achieved comparable yields to ordinary corn. However, the cost of GM corn seed is higher than ordinary corn seed, and the savings on insecticide rarely exceeded the extra seed costs. Therefore, the argument concludes that switching to GM seed would be unlikely to increase profits for most feed-corn farmers.
To evaluate this argument, we need to identify the missing information that would help us assess the validity of the conclusion. Let's consider each answer choice:
(A) Whether there are insect pests that sometimes reduce feed-corn yields, but against which commonly used insecticides and the genetic modification are equally ineffective.
This information is not directly relevant to the profitability of switching to GM seed. The argument is focused on the reduction of insecticide use and cost savings, rather than the effectiveness of insecticides or genetic modification against specific pests.
(B) Whether the price that farmers receive for feed corn has remained steady over the past few years.
This information may be important in understanding the financial aspect of switching to GM seed. However, the argument primarily focuses on the cost difference between GM and ordinary corn seed, as well as the savings from reduced insecticide use. The stability of feed corn prices does not directly address these points.
(C) Whether the insecticides typically used on feed corn tend to be more expensive than insecticides typically used on other crops.
This information could be relevant to the cost comparison between insecticides used on feed corn and those used on other crops. However, the argument does not make a comparison between feed corn and other crops, so this information is not crucial to evaluate the profitability of switching to GM seed.
(D) Whether most of the farmers who tried the genetically modified corn last season applied more insecticide than was actually necessary.
This answer choice directly addresses the argument's claim that farmers using GM corn applied less insecticide. If it turns out that most farmers using GM corn actually applied more insecticide than necessary, it would undermine the argument's assertion of reduced insecticide use. This information is vital to evaluating the profitability of switching to GM seed.
(E) Whether, for most farmers who plant feed corn, it is their most profitable crop.
This information focuses on the overall profitability of feed corn as a crop choice for farmers. While this information could be relevant in some contexts, it does not specifically address the cost savings or increased profits resulting from switching to GM seed.
Given the above analysis, option (D) is the most useful piece of information to evaluate the argument. It directly addresses the argument's claim about reduced insecticide use, which is crucial in assessing the profitability of switching to GM seed.
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Scientists have modified feed corn genetically, increasing its resistance to insect pests. Farmers who tried out the genetically modified corn last season applied less insecticide to their corn fields and still got yields comparable to those they would have gotten with ordinary corn. Ordinary corn seed, however, costs less, and what these farmers saved on insecticide rarely exceeded their extra costs for seed. Therefore, for most feed-corn farmers, switching to genetically modified seed would be unlikely to increase profits.Which of the following would it be most useful to know in order to evaluate the argument?a)Whether there are insect pests that sometimes reduce feed-corn yields, but against which commonly used insecticides and the genetic modification are equally ineffectiveb)Whether the price that farmers receive for feed corn has remained steady over the past few yearsc)Whether the insecticides typically used on feed corn tend to be more expensive than insecticides typically used on other cropsd)Whether most of the farmers who tried the genetically modified corn last season applied more insecticide than was actually necessarye)Whether, for most farmers who plant feed corn, it is their most profitable cropCorrect answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?
Question Description
Scientists have modified feed corn genetically, increasing its resistance to insect pests. Farmers who tried out the genetically modified corn last season applied less insecticide to their corn fields and still got yields comparable to those they would have gotten with ordinary corn. Ordinary corn seed, however, costs less, and what these farmers saved on insecticide rarely exceeded their extra costs for seed. Therefore, for most feed-corn farmers, switching to genetically modified seed would be unlikely to increase profits.Which of the following would it be most useful to know in order to evaluate the argument?a)Whether there are insect pests that sometimes reduce feed-corn yields, but against which commonly used insecticides and the genetic modification are equally ineffectiveb)Whether the price that farmers receive for feed corn has remained steady over the past few yearsc)Whether the insecticides typically used on feed corn tend to be more expensive than insecticides typically used on other cropsd)Whether most of the farmers who tried the genetically modified corn last season applied more insecticide than was actually necessarye)Whether, for most farmers who plant feed corn, it is their most profitable cropCorrect answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer? for GMAT 2024 is part of GMAT preparation. The Question and answers have been prepared according to the GMAT exam syllabus. Information about Scientists have modified feed corn genetically, increasing its resistance to insect pests. Farmers who tried out the genetically modified corn last season applied less insecticide to their corn fields and still got yields comparable to those they would have gotten with ordinary corn. Ordinary corn seed, however, costs less, and what these farmers saved on insecticide rarely exceeded their extra costs for seed. Therefore, for most feed-corn farmers, switching to genetically modified seed would be unlikely to increase profits.Which of the following would it be most useful to know in order to evaluate the argument?a)Whether there are insect pests that sometimes reduce feed-corn yields, but against which commonly used insecticides and the genetic modification are equally ineffectiveb)Whether the price that farmers receive for feed corn has remained steady over the past few yearsc)Whether the insecticides typically used on feed corn tend to be more expensive than insecticides typically used on other cropsd)Whether most of the farmers who tried the genetically modified corn last season applied more insecticide than was actually necessarye)Whether, for most farmers who plant feed corn, it is their most profitable cropCorrect answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer? covers all topics & solutions for GMAT 2024 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, meanings, examples, exercises and tests below for Scientists have modified feed corn genetically, increasing its resistance to insect pests. Farmers who tried out the genetically modified corn last season applied less insecticide to their corn fields and still got yields comparable to those they would have gotten with ordinary corn. Ordinary corn seed, however, costs less, and what these farmers saved on insecticide rarely exceeded their extra costs for seed. Therefore, for most feed-corn farmers, switching to genetically modified seed would be unlikely to increase profits.Which of the following would it be most useful to know in order to evaluate the argument?a)Whether there are insect pests that sometimes reduce feed-corn yields, but against which commonly used insecticides and the genetic modification are equally ineffectiveb)Whether the price that farmers receive for feed corn has remained steady over the past few yearsc)Whether the insecticides typically used on feed corn tend to be more expensive than insecticides typically used on other cropsd)Whether most of the farmers who tried the genetically modified corn last season applied more insecticide than was actually necessarye)Whether, for most farmers who plant feed corn, it is their most profitable cropCorrect answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?.
Solutions for Scientists have modified feed corn genetically, increasing its resistance to insect pests. Farmers who tried out the genetically modified corn last season applied less insecticide to their corn fields and still got yields comparable to those they would have gotten with ordinary corn. Ordinary corn seed, however, costs less, and what these farmers saved on insecticide rarely exceeded their extra costs for seed. Therefore, for most feed-corn farmers, switching to genetically modified seed would be unlikely to increase profits.Which of the following would it be most useful to know in order to evaluate the argument?a)Whether there are insect pests that sometimes reduce feed-corn yields, but against which commonly used insecticides and the genetic modification are equally ineffectiveb)Whether the price that farmers receive for feed corn has remained steady over the past few yearsc)Whether the insecticides typically used on feed corn tend to be more expensive than insecticides typically used on other cropsd)Whether most of the farmers who tried the genetically modified corn last season applied more insecticide than was actually necessarye)Whether, for most farmers who plant feed corn, it is their most profitable cropCorrect answer is option 'D'. 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.
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Therefore, for most feed-corn farmers, switching to genetically modified seed would be unlikely to increase profits.Which of the following would it be most useful to know in order to evaluate the argument?a)Whether there are insect pests that sometimes reduce feed-corn yields, but against which commonly used insecticides and the genetic modification are equally ineffectiveb)Whether the price that farmers receive for feed corn has remained steady over the past few yearsc)Whether the insecticides typically used on feed corn tend to be more expensive than insecticides typically used on other cropsd)Whether most of the farmers who tried the genetically modified corn last season applied more insecticide than was actually necessarye)Whether, for most farmers who plant feed corn, it is their most profitable cropCorrect answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer? defined & explained in the simplest way possible. 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Therefore, for most feed-corn farmers, switching to genetically modified seed would be unlikely to increase profits.Which of the following would it be most useful to know in order to evaluate the argument?a)Whether there are insect pests that sometimes reduce feed-corn yields, but against which commonly used insecticides and the genetic modification are equally ineffectiveb)Whether the price that farmers receive for feed corn has remained steady over the past few yearsc)Whether the insecticides typically used on feed corn tend to be more expensive than insecticides typically used on other cropsd)Whether most of the farmers who tried the genetically modified corn last season applied more insecticide than was actually necessarye)Whether, for most farmers who plant feed corn, it is their most profitable cropCorrect answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?, a detailed solution for Scientists have modified feed corn genetically, increasing its resistance to insect pests. Farmers who tried out the genetically modified corn last season applied less insecticide to their corn fields and still got yields comparable to those they would have gotten with ordinary corn. Ordinary corn seed, however, costs less, and what these farmers saved on insecticide rarely exceeded their extra costs for seed. Therefore, for most feed-corn farmers, switching to genetically modified seed would be unlikely to increase profits.Which of the following would it be most useful to know in order to evaluate the argument?a)Whether there are insect pests that sometimes reduce feed-corn yields, but against which commonly used insecticides and the genetic modification are equally ineffectiveb)Whether the price that farmers receive for feed corn has remained steady over the past few yearsc)Whether the insecticides typically used on feed corn tend to be more expensive than insecticides typically used on other cropsd)Whether most of the farmers who tried the genetically modified corn last season applied more insecticide than was actually necessarye)Whether, for most farmers who plant feed corn, it is their most profitable cropCorrect answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer? has been provided alongside types of Scientists have modified feed corn genetically, increasing its resistance to insect pests. Farmers who tried out the genetically modified corn last season applied less insecticide to their corn fields and still got yields comparable to those they would have gotten with ordinary corn. Ordinary corn seed, however, costs less, and what these farmers saved on insecticide rarely exceeded their extra costs for seed. Therefore, for most feed-corn farmers, switching to genetically modified seed would be unlikely to increase profits.Which of the following would it be most useful to know in order to evaluate the argument?a)Whether there are insect pests that sometimes reduce feed-corn yields, but against which commonly used insecticides and the genetic modification are equally ineffectiveb)Whether the price that farmers receive for feed corn has remained steady over the past few yearsc)Whether the insecticides typically used on feed corn tend to be more expensive than insecticides typically used on other cropsd)Whether most of the farmers who tried the genetically modified corn last season applied more insecticide than was actually necessarye)Whether, for most farmers who plant feed corn, it is their most profitable cropCorrect answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer? theory, EduRev gives you an ample number of questions to practice Scientists have modified feed corn genetically, increasing its resistance to insect pests. Farmers who tried out the genetically modified corn last season applied less insecticide to their corn fields and still got yields comparable to those they would have gotten with ordinary corn. Ordinary corn seed, however, costs less, and what these farmers saved on insecticide rarely exceeded their extra costs for seed. Therefore, for most feed-corn farmers, switching to genetically modified seed would be unlikely to increase profits.Which of the following would it be most useful to know in order to evaluate the argument?a)Whether there are insect pests that sometimes reduce feed-corn yields, but against which commonly used insecticides and the genetic modification are equally ineffectiveb)Whether the price that farmers receive for feed corn has remained steady over the past few yearsc)Whether the insecticides typically used on feed corn tend to be more expensive than insecticides typically used on other cropsd)Whether most of the farmers who tried the genetically modified corn last season applied more insecticide than was actually necessarye)Whether, for most farmers who plant feed corn, it is their most profitable cropCorrect answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer? tests, examples and also practice GMAT tests.
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