Question: Sunflowers growing in pots were placed, with their roots submerged, in the pond contaminated with radioactive elements. The sunflowers kept growing; in the process, they absorbed radioactive elements. Within twelve days, 85 percent of the radioactive elements were removed from the water, which is no less than can be accomplished with the much more expensive conventional filtration techniques. Scientists therefore propose using sunflowers for decontamination wherever there are radioactively contaminated ponds.

Which of the following, if true, points to a limitation on the applicability of the proposed method of decontamination?

(A) Some plants other than sunflowers can also remove radioactive elements from water.
(B) The water in many ponds contaminated with radioactive elements is so cold that it would kill sunflowers whose roots were submerged in it.
(C) Sunflowers that grow with their roots submerged in water grow less well than sunflowers growing under optimal conditions on dry land.
(D) Only species of sunflowers with large leaves can have their roots submerged in water and still keep growing.
(E) In ponds in which the circulation of the water is artificially increased, sunflowers absorb radioactive elements far faster than they do in other ponds.

Answer: B
Explanation: On the GMAT's critical reasoning portion, analytical and critical thinking abilities are assessed. To answer clearly, a person must possess strong cognitive abilities.

Given that,
The roots of sunflowers grown in pots were buried in a pond contaminated with radioactive materials. As the sunflowers continued to expand, they absorbed radioactive materials. In twelve days, 85 percent of the radioactive materials were removed from the water, which is comparable to what can be accomplished with conventional filtration processes that are far more expensive. Therefore, scientists recommend utilizing sunflowers to decontaminate radioactively contaminated ponds.
Conclusion: recommend utilizing sunflowers to decontaminate radioactively polluted ponds wherever they exist.
Which of the following, if true, would restrict the applicability of the proposed decontamination method?
Weaken question. We must discover the answer to the question. Sunflowers cannot be used to absorb radioactive elements.

A: Incorrect
It is an incorrect answer. This statement is out of scope. We are talking about sunflowers here.

B: Correct
It is the correct choice. According to B, the majority of the radioactively contaminated ponds have temperatures that are too low for sunflowers to thrive in them.

C: Incorrect
It is the wrong choice. We are not interested in learning how successful growing sunflowers can be.

D: Incorrect
It is an incorrect choice. It is not terribly important because the researchers may suggest using sunflowers with huge leaves instead. We have one remaining sunflower variety for this project.

E: Incorrect
It is an incorrect answer. This choice is out of the scope of the given passage. Sunflowers work in these ponds

“Sunflowers growing in pots were placed, with their roots submerged, in” – is a GMAT Critical question. To answer the question, a candidate can either find a piece of evidence that would weaken the argument or have logical flaws in the argument. GMAT critical reasoning tests the logical and analytical skills of the candidates. This topic requires candidates to find the argument's strengths and weaknesses or the logical flaw in the argument. The GMAT CR section contains 10 -13 GMAT critical reasoning questions out of 36 GMAT verbal questions.

Suggested GMAT Critical Reasoning Questions

• A Year After The Start An Experiment To Decrease Crime GMAT Critical Reasoning
• Since the invention of digital readout, machine designers have rushed GMAT Critical Reasoning
• The President of a Consulting Firm Analysed the Decisions Made About Marketing GMAT Critical Reasoning
• Many companies have been pushing for a three-week extension of daylight GMAT Critical Reasoning
• In All Mammalian Species, the Period of a Young Mammal’s Life GMAT Critical Reasoning
• Manufacturers of household appliances are still urging the public to purchase food processors GMAT critical reasoning
• Contrary to the Statements of Labour Leaders, the Central Economic Problem GMAT Critical Reasoning
• From time to time, the press indulges in outbursts of indignation over GMAT Critical Reasoning
• Exhaust released from a combustion engine is harmful when breathed in significant quantities.GMAT Critical Reasoning
• The tax system of the Republic of Grootland encourages borrowing by granting its taxpayers GMAT Critical Reasoning
• Advances in photocopying technology allow criminals with no printing expertise GMAT Critical Reasoning
• Professor A: We must make a strong moral statement against Country X’s policies GMAT Critical Reasoning
• According to an Independent Computer-Industry Analyst, the New Regent Microcomputer GMAT Critical Reasoning
• In Today’s Pluralistic Society, Textbook Publishers Find Themselves in an Increasingly Uncomfortable Position GMAT Critical Reasoning
• Economies in which a high percentage of resources are invested in research and development GMAT Critical Reasoning
• Columnist: The country is presently debating legislation GMAT Critical Reasoning
• When People Evade Income Taxes by not Declaring Taxable Income GMAT Critical Reasoning
• Utrania was formerly a major petroleum exporter, but in recent decades economic stagnation GMAT Critical Reasoning
• Useful protein drugs, such as insulin, must still be administered by the cumbersome GMAT Critical Reasoning
• Unripe Lychee Fruit Contain a Compound called Hypoglycin GMAT Critical Reasoning
• Tiger Beetles are such Fast Runners that they can Capture Virtually any Nonflying Insect GMAT Critical Reasoning
• According to a recent study, retirees in the United States are four times more likely to give regular financial aid to their children as to receive it from them GMAT Critical Reasoning
• Roland: The alarming fact is that 90 percent of the people in this country now report that they know someone who is unemployed GMAT Critical Reasoning
• TOMMY: That telephone always rings when I am in the shower and can’t hear it GMAT Critical Reasoning
• A major network news organisation experienced a drop in viewership in the week GMAT Critical Reasoning
• It is Difficult to Keep Deep Wounds Free of Bacteria GMAT Critical Reasoning
• Carol is Shorter Than Juan, But She is Taller than Ed. Sandra is Shorter than Juan, and She is Shorter than Ed GMAT critical reasoning
• Ethicist: It Would be a Mistake to Say that Just Because Someone is Inclined to do Otherwise GMAT critical reasoning
• According to a study, after a week of high-altitude living, twenty men had slimmed down. GMAT critical reasoning
• Shelby Industries Manufactures and Sells the Same Gauges as Jones Industries. GMAT critical reasoning
• Building a space station, in which astronauts would live for a considerable time GMAT critical reasoning
• The interview is an essential part of a successful hiring program because, with it, job applicants who have personalities that are unsuited to the requirements of the job will be eliminated from consideration. GMAT critical reasoning
• According to a recent study, retirees in the United States are four times more likely to give regular financial aid to their children as to receive it from them. GMAT critical reasoning
• Using oil-based paints to paint walls or furniture requires the use of turpentine and each coat takes a long time to dry.GMAT critical reasoning
• President of the United States: I have Received over 2,000 Letters on this Issue, and the Vast Majority of them Support my Current Position. GMAT critical reasoning
• Roland: The alarming fact is that 90 percent of the people in this country now report that they know someone who is unemployed. GMAT critical reasoning
• TOMMY: That telephone always rings when I am in the shower and can’t hear it. GMAT critical reasoning
• A major network news organization experienced a drop in viewership in the week GMAT critical reasoning
• Experienced pilots often have more trouble than novice pilots in learning to fly GMAT critical reasoning
• It is Difficult to Keep Deep Wounds Free of Bacteria. GMAT critical reasoning
• Jane drinks 4 Cups of Coffee Every Day. GMAT critical reasoning
• Johnson is on Firm Ground When he Asserts that the Early Editors of Dickinsons Poetry Often Distorted her Intentions GMAT critical reasoning
• One Reason why European Music has had Such a Strong Influence Throughout the World GMAT critical reasoning
• The Elk City Garbage Dumps are so Full that Elk City has Been Forced to Pay a Large Sum to Caribou City to Accept much of Elk City’s Garbage. GMAT critical reasoning
• Turtles, like Other Reptiles, can Endure Long Fasts, in their Ability to Survive on Weekly GMAT critical reasoning
• A Diet High in Saturated Fats Increases a Person's Risk of Developing Heart Disease GMAT critical reasoning
• At An Enormous Research Cost A Leading Chemical Company Has Developed GMAT Critical Reasoning
• A Reliable Survey Indicates That College Graduates Change Employers Four Times GMAT Critical Reasoning
• In 1988, a significant percentage of seals in the Baltic Sea died GMAT Critical Reasoning
• Contrary to the charges made by some of its opponents GMAT Critical Reasoning