Question: Two centuries ago, Tufe Peninsula became separated form the mainland, isolating on the newly formed Tufe Island a population of Turfil sunflowers. This population’s descendants grow to be, on average, 40 centimeters shorter than Turfil sunflowers found on the mainland. Tufe Island is significantly drier than Tufe Peninsula was. So the current average height of Tufe’s Turfil sunflowers is undoubtedly at least partially attributable to changes in Tufe’s environmental conditions.

Which of the following is an assumption on which the argument depends?

(A) There are no types of vegetation on Tufe Island that are known to benefit from dry conditions.
(B) There were about as many Turfil sunflowers on Tufe Peninsula two centuries ago as there are on Tufe Island today.
(C) The mainland’s environment has not changed in ways that have resulted in Turfil sunflowers on the mainland growing to be 40 centimeters taller than they did two centuries ago.
(D) The soil on Tufe Island, unlike that on the mainland, lacks important nutrients that help Turfil sunflowers survive and grow tall in a dry environment.
(E) The 40-centimeter height difference between the Turfil sunflowers on Tufe Island and those on the mainland is the only difference between the two populations.

Correct Answer: C
Explanation:

In the GMAT section on critical thinking, you will be evaluated on your ability to analyze and think critically. To provide a coherent response, a person must possess a great deal of mental capacity.

To make a decision, each possibility must be thoroughly considered. Only one of the five options presented will be correct. To make the optimal decision, the candidate needs to consider numerous factors.

Some points :
The Tufe Peninsula was cut off from the mainland two centuries ago, isolating Turfil sunflowers on the newly formed Tufe Island. The progeny of this group develops to be 40 cm shorter on average than the Turfil sunflowers found on the continent. Much drier than Tufe Peninsula was, Tufe Island
Conclusion:
- Hence, changes in Tufe's environmental conditions are definitely responsible for at least some of the current average height of Tufe's Turfil sunflower.

Let's now examine the possibilities.
A - Remove the outside of the scope.
B: Remove; not relevant.
Eliminate the fact rather than the supposition.
E More of a reality than a supposition."

The premise is that since the environment on the mainland hasn't changed, there hasn't been a change in the height of Turfil sunflowers on the mainland. As a result, the only reason the heights alter is that the island's ecology has changed.

This is related to the ending.
Let’s check the given choices -

A: Incorrect

It is an incorrect choice. It's common knowledge that certain kinds of plants thrive in arid environments, and there are many of them. It is out of the question; we are not concerned with the growth of other kinds of plants.

B: Incorrect

It is the wrong choice. Because this is outside the scope of the discussion, it does not address the weather or any circumstances that would make it true.

C: Correct

It is the correct choice. The ecology on the mainland has changed in ways that have caused T sunflowers to grow 40 cm higher today than they did two centuries ago. Okay, so you're telling me that both sunflowers were "X" height before the T Peninsula separated, but that when the island's separation was finalized, the environment changed, allowing the sunflowers to grow? This would imply that on the mainland, the sunflowers are "X + 40 cm" tall!

D: Incorrect

It is an incorrect answer. In terms of soil, this illustrates a similarity between the island and the mainland. We are interested in seeing how the environment has evolved and how the two geographies differ.

E: Incorrect

It is an incorrect answer. "T sunflowers on the island and those on the mainland DO NOT vary JUST in height by 40 cm." out of bounds. Who cares if it is? Environmental factors that result in an increase in height are the only difference we are interested in.

“Two centuries ago, Tufe Peninsula became separated form the mainland,” – 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 Samples

• 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
• 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