Question: Rabbits are not native to Australia, which lacks predators capable of keeping their numbers in check. The rabbit population, left unchecked, expands to such large numbers that it destroys large areas of pastoral land by stripping it of grass. Scientists have recently isolated a virus which has devastated rabbit populations in Central Asia and is harmless to humans. Australian farmers urge scientists to release this virus so that they can reclaim pastoral land currently lost to rabbits.

The farmers who urge the immediate release of the virus assume all of the following EXCEPT

(A) the number of natural predators will not significantly increase in Australia in the near future
(B) the virus will not be harmful to livestock that graze on the pastoral land
(C) the virus will have the same effect on rabbits in Australia as on rabbits in central Asia
(D) the release of the virus is the only means of reducing the rabbit population in Australia
(E) if the rabbit population fell in Australia, land that had been damaged by rabbits would return to a state useful for farming

Correct Answer: (D)
Explanation: Australia lacks the predators necessary to keep rabbit populations in check, so rabbits are not native to the country. If the rabbit population is not controlled, it can grow so large that it can completely destroy vast tracts of pastoral land. A virus that has decimated Central Asian rabbit populations and is safe for humans has recently been isolated by scientists. Australian farmers implore scientists to disseminate this virus so they can reclaim pastoral land that rabbits currently own.

The correct choice will have a statement that is not an assumption by the farmers who urge the virus to be released soon. Analyzing each option separately will help in determining the right choice.

Option – D : Correct
This option states that the only way to reduce the number of rabbits in Australia is to release the virus. No, they do not believe that this is the only method of controlling the population of rabbits. They believe that this is one method for lowering the rabbit population. Therefore this option is the right choice.

Option – A : Incorrect
This option states that in the near future, Australia's natural predator population will not rise noticeably. Yes, the farmers might have made this assumption. There is no need to release the virus if the population of natural predators rises. Therefore this option is ruled out.

Option – B : Incorrect
This option states that stock grazing on the pastoral land will not be harmed by the virus. Yes, this is undoubtedly an assumption because farmers would oppose its release if it had an impact on their livestock. Therefore this option is ruled out.

Option – C : Incorrect
This option states that Australia's rabbits will be equally affected by the virus as those in central Asia. Yes, the farmers also believe this to be the case. They want to release the virus because they believe that what is true in Central Asia would also be true in Australia. Therefore this option is ruled out.

Option – E : Incorrect
This option states that Australian land that had been damaged by rabbits would return to a state that was suitable for farming if the rabbit population declined. Yes, this is another assumption made by farmers who believe that once the rabbits are gone, the land will be usable. Therefore this option is ruled out.

From the explanations given above, it is clear that the fourth option is the right answer.

“Rabbits are not native to Australia, which lacks predators capable” - is a critical thinking GMAT question. In order to respond to the question, a candidate may decide to present an illogical argument or look for evidence that would refute it. A candidate's capacity for logic and analysis is evaluated on the GMAT critical reasoning exam. Candidates must point out the argument's benefits and drawbacks as well as its logical errors with regard to this subject. Ten to thirteen questions on critical reasoning are included in the CR section of the 36 GMAT verbal questions.

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