Text 1: Biodiversity advocate Dr. Sarah Park supports de-extinction. "Reviving extinct species like the woolly mammoth restores lost ecosystems," Park argues. "De-extinction reverses human damage and enriches biodiversity."
Text 2: Conservation biologist Dr. Richard Tan prioritizes existing species. "Resources devoted to resurrection projects could protect endangered species still alive," Tan contends. "De-extinction is conservation theater distracting from urgent current needs."
What assumption does Park make that Tan's argument implicitly challenges?
That extinct species could be scientifically recreated
That de-extinction is the best use of limited conservation resources
That biodiversity has ecological value
That humans have caused species extinctions
Correct Answer: B
Choice B is the correct answer. Park implicitly assumes de-extinction merits spending. Tan argues those resources "could protect endangered species still alive"—challenging the resource allocation, not the possibility.
- Evidence: Tan: resources devoted to resurrection could go elsewhere.
- Reasoning: Park's enthusiasm assumes de-extinction is worth the cost.
- Conclusion: Tan challenges the opportunity cost assumption.
Choice A is incorrect because Tan doesn't dispute feasibility. Choice C is incorrect because both value biodiversity. Choice D is incorrect because both acknowledge human impact.