feifei-38

PHDman

Amphibian populations are declining in numbers worldwide. Not coincidentally, the earth’s ozone layer has been continuously depleted throughout the last 50 years. Atmospheric ozone blocks UV-B, a type of ultraviolet radiation that is continuously produced by the sun, and which can damage genes. Because amphibians lack hair, hide, or feathers to shield them, they are particularly vulnerable to UV-B radiation. In addition, their gelatinous eggs lack the protection of leathery or hard shells. Thus, the primary cause of the declining amphibian population is the depletion of the ozone layer.

Each of the following, if true, would strengthen the argument EXCEPT:

(A) Of the various types of radiation blocked by atmospheric ozone, UV-B is the only type that can damage genes.

(B) Amphibian populations are declining far more rapidly than are the populations of nonamphibian species whose tissues and eggs have more natural protection from UV-B.

(C) Atmospheric ozone has been significantly depleted above all the areas of the world in which amphibian populations are declining.

(D) The natural habitat of amphibians has not become smaller over the past century.

(E) Amphibian populations have declined continuously for the last 50 years.

答案是D，但本人认为应该是A。对A取非，即如果臭氧层里还有其他物质对genes有破坏作用，那么臭氧层的减少对amphibian的破坏作用更大，从而并没有削弱原题中的结论，因此A并没有增强结论作用。

D中说明amphibian的自然生存领地并没有减少，是排除了可能导致amphibian减少的其他原因。因此对原题中的结论有增强的作用。

大家说怎么理解呢？

robertchu

Yes, you are right.  A is the right answer.

iwillfly

同感！握手