Set 2: Command of Evidence
Explanation
PASSAGE
Biologists studying blue whales in the Pacific Ocean noticed that their calls have been deepening in pitch over the last few decades. One hypothesis is that as the population recovers from whaling, whales must call deeper to be heard over the noise of other whales.
Which finding, if true, would most weaken this hypothesis?
Detailed Explanation
This question requires you to identify evidence that supports a claim. The hypothesis links deeper calls to *population recovery* (competition for sound space). If whales in *unrecovered* populations (low density) are also calling deeper, then population density cannot be the cause, weakening the hypothesis. The best evidence directly and explicitly supports the stated claim without requiring assumptions. Match specific textual details or data points to the claim being made. The correct answer provides clear, direct support. Strong evidence directly addresses the claim without requiring additional interpretation. When evaluating options, look for quotes or data that explicitly support the statement. Weak evidence may be tangentially related but doesn't provide direct proof.
Key Evidence:
• "Biologists studying blue whales in the Pacific Ocean noticed that their calls have been deepening in pitch over the last few decades"
Why others are wrong: B (Increased ship noise might offer an *alternative* explanation, but C is a more direct rebuttal of the specific population mechanism.), C (This option is incorrect.), D (This explains *why* they might call deeper (physics), not *what cause* triggered the change.).