The average life expectancy for the United States population as a whole is 73.9 years, but children born in Hawaii will live an average of 77 years, and those born in Louisiana, 71.7 years. If a newlywed couple from Louisiana were to begin their family in Hawaii, therefore, their children would be expected to live longer than would be the case if the family remained in Louisiana.

Which of the following statements, if true, would most significantly strengthen the conclusion drawn in the passage?

• AAs population density increases in Hawaii, life expectancy figures for that state are likely to be revised downward.  
• BEnvironmental factors tending to favor longevity are abundant in Hawaii and less numerous in Louisiana.  
• CTwenty-five percent of all Louisianans who move to Hawaii live longer than 77 years.  
• DOver the last decade, average life expectancy has risen at a higher rate for Louisianans than for Hawaiians.  
• EStudies show that the average life expectancy for Hawaiians who move permanently to Louisiana is roughly equal to that of Hawaiians who remain in Hawaii.