A statement is given, followed by two conclusions numbered I and II. Taking the statement to be true, decide which of the conclusions logically follows from it.
Statement: In the last five years, the number of tigers in Reserve P has risen from 40 to 65, while the area of the reserve has stayed the same.
Conclusions:
I. On average, each tiger in Reserve P now has less area than it had five years ago.
II. The number of tigers has risen in every reserve of the country.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → Only conclusion I follows
A conclusion follows when the statement, taken as true, leads to it without anything added.
I. On average, each tiger in Reserve P now has less area than it had five years ago. Follows. Let the area of the reserve be A.
Five years ago: area per tiger = A ÷ 40.
Now: area per tiger = A ÷ 65.
The same area is shared by more tigers, so A ÷ 65 is less than A ÷ 40.
II. The number of tigers has risen in every reserve of the country. Does not follow. The statement gives figures for Reserve P only; nothing is known about the other reserves.