Question: Because dried peat moss, which is derived from sphagnum moss, contains no chemical additives and is a renewable resource, many gardeners use large amounts of it as a soil conditioner in the belief that the practice is environmentally sound. They are mistaken. The millions of acres of sphagnum moss in the world contribute more oxygen to the atmosphere than do all of the world's rain forests combined, and the garden soil industry is depleting these areas much faster than they can renew themselves.

Which one of the following principles, if valid, most helps to justify the argument's reasoning?

(A) Using a product may be environmentally unsound even if the product is a renewable resource and contains no chemical additive.
(B) A practice is not environmentally sound if it significantly reduces the amount of oxygen entering the atmosphere.
(C) A practice is environmentally sound if it helps to protect rain forests that contribute large amounts of oxygen to the atmosphere.
(D) If the environmental benefits of a practice outweigh the environmental costs, that practice can be legitimately considered environmentally sound.
(E) If the practices of an industry threaten a vital resource, those practices should be banned.

Correct Answer: (B)
Explanation: Many gardeners use a lot of dried peat moss, which is made from sphagnum moss and has no chemical additives, as a soil conditioner. This is because they believe it is environmentally friendly and because it is a renewable resource. They are in error. The garden soil industry is destroying these areas much more quickly than they can regenerate themselves. And also the millions of acres of sphagnum moss on the planet produce more oxygen for the atmosphere than all of the world's rain forests combined.

The question asks for an answer that best justifies the reasoning given by the passage. Analyzing each option separately will help in determining the right choice.

Option – B : Correct
If a practice significantly lowers the amount of oxygen entering the atmosphere, it is not environmentally sound. A practice is not environmentally friendly if it reduces oxygen. It is consistent with the argument and backs up the assertion. Therefore this is the right option.

Option – A : Incorrect
Even if a product is made of renewable resources and doesn't contain any chemical additives, using it may be environmentally harmful. The main argument of the reasoning is not addressed by this. Therefore, this option is ruled out.

Option – C : Incorrect
If a practice aids in preserving rainforests, which produce significant amounts of oxygen for the atmosphere, it is considered environmentally friendly. This is incorrect because it states that it will protect rainforests. What if it preserves the rain forests while further depleting other resources that give the environment much more oxygen?. This is not impenetrable and too specific. Therefore, this option is ruled out.

Option – D : Incorrect
An action can be considered environmentally sound if it has more positive effects on the environment than negative ones. According to the passage, the environmental advantages do not outweigh the costs because millions of acres of sphagnum moss produce more oxygen than all of the world's rainforests combined. Therefore, this option is ruled out.

Option – E : Incorrect
An industry's practices should be outlawed if they endanger a crucial resource. There is no need to pass judgment, it has to be banned. But this is irrelevant. Therefore, this option is ruled out.
From the explanations given above, it is clear that the second option is the right answer.

“Because dried peat moss, which is derived from sphagnum moss” - is a GMAT  question requiring critical thought. A candidate may choose to present an illogical argument or look for evidence to contradict it in order to address the question. The GMAT critical reasoning test assesses a candidate's analytical and logical skills. Candidates must identify the argument's advantages, disadvantages, and logical flaws with regard to this topic. The CR section of the 36 GMAT verbal questions consists of ten to thirteen critical reasoning questions.

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