Multiple choice

Directions: For this question, select the best of the answer choices given.

After observing the Earth's weather patterns and the 11-year sunspot cycle of the Sun for 36 years, scientists have found that high levels of sunspot activity precede shifts in wind patterns that affect the Earth's weather. One can conclude that meteorologist will be able to improve their weather forecasts based on this information. Which of the following, if true, most seriously weakens the argument above?

  1. Weather forecasts are more detailed today than they were 36 years ago.

  2. Scientists can establish that sunspot activity directly affects the Earth's weather.

  3. Evidence other than sunspot activity has previously enabled meteorologists to forecast the weather conditions that are predictable on the basis of sunspot activity.

  4. Scientist have not determined why the sunspot activity on the Sun follows an 11-year cycle.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

The argument claims that sunspot activity will improve weather forecasts. Option C weakens this by stating that meteorologists can already predict the same weather conditions using other evidence. If they can already forecast what sunspots would help predict, then sunspot information adds no new predictive value.

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