Multiple choice

Which of the following, if true, would most strengthen the argument?

Directions: Answer the given question based on the following passage:

A recent report in an animal health magazine stated that the big breeds of domestic dogs suffer from an unusually high incidence of hip dysplasia, a disease in which the animal loses cartilage around the bones fitting into the hip joint, and which can result in arthritis and painful osteoporosis. The study also pointed out that wild wolves rarely, if ever, suffer from hip dysplasia. Hence, it is in the interest of dog lovers to replicate, as far as possible, the living conditions that the dogs would face in the wild.

  1. Smaller breeds of dogs, having almost non-existent instances of falling prey to hip dysplasia, are more genetically similar to wolves than are the bigger breeds of dogs.

  2. Dogs trained to protect livestock on big ranches reportedly have very low incidence of hip dysplasia.

  3. The incidence of hip dysplasia in wolves living in enclosures in zoos is quite high.

  4. Hunting dogs have relatively lower incidence of hip dysplasia.

  5. Wolves eat raw, unprocessed meat while domestic dogs eat processed dog food.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

(1) Incorrect; the conclusion of the argument is that replicating living conditions of wolves would help reduce incidence of hip dysplasia in large breeds of dogs. Whether or not smaller dogs are genetically similar to wolves is beside the point. (2) Incorrect; wolves are hunters while these dogs are protectors. Hence, it cannot be said that they have similar lifestyles. Also, it is not mentioned whether these dogs are big dogs or not. (3) Correct; because the wolves living in zoos live in closed enclosures, it would imply that their lifestyle is very similar to those of big domesticated dogs. If they are getting hip dysplasia, it can be inferred that the similarity in lifestyle, to big dogs, is causing it. (4) Incorrect but very close; it is not mentioned whether the hunting dogs belong to large breeds or small breeds. (5) Incorrect; limits the argument about lifestyle to only food, which is but one component of lifestyle.

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