Question 135·Hard·Command of Evidence
Quota Reductions and Subsequent Changes in Atlantic Cod Biomass by Region
| Region | Quota reduction (%) | Change in cod biomass (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Barents | ||
| Celtic | ||
| Georges Bank | ||
| North Sea | ||
| Labrador |
Marine biologist Dr. Elena Sánchez analyzed five fishing regions where managers adjusted annual catch quotas for Atlantic cod. She has cited the data in the table as evidence that “regions undertaking the largest quota reductions are the ones most likely to see their cod stocks rebound.”
Which choice best describes data from the table that support Dr. Sánchez’s claim?
For data interpretation and evidence questions like this, first restate the claim in your own words, identifying which variables are being related (here: size of quota reduction and change in biomass). Then scan the table to find the extreme values that match the claim (largest reductions, biggest changes) and note the pattern. Finally, test each answer choice against the exact numbers, eliminating any option that misstates even one value or focuses on the wrong comparison, and select the one that most directly and accurately describes the pattern that supports the claim.
Hints
Focus on the key words in the claim
Underline or note the words “largest quota reductions” and “cod stocks rebound.” Ask yourself: which columns in the table match those ideas?
Locate the most extreme values
Look down the Quota reduction (%) column. Which regions have the highest percentages, and what are their corresponding changes in cod biomass?
Use the region with zero reduction as a comparison
Check what happened in the region with 0% quota reduction. How does its change in cod biomass compare with the regions that had the largest reductions?
Check each answer against the exact numbers
For each option, quickly verify whether its description matches all the relevant numbers in the table. Even one mismatch means the option is not supported by the data.
Step-by-step Explanation
Restate what the claim is saying
Dr. Sánchez claims that regions with the largest quota reductions are the most likely to see their cod stocks rebound.
- “Largest quota reductions” means the highest percentages in the Quota reduction (%) column.
- “Cod stocks rebound” means cod biomass goes up, so we look for positive values in the Change in cod biomass (%) column.
Identify the regions with the largest quota cuts
Look at the Quota reduction (%) column in the table:
- Barents:
- Celtic:
- Georges Bank:
- North Sea:
- Labrador:
The two largest cuts are:
- Barents ()
- Georges Bank ()
Now check their biomass changes:
- Barents: (increase)
- Georges Bank: (increase)
So the regions with the largest quota cuts both had increases in cod biomass.
Notice what happened where there was no quota cut
Now look at the region with no quota reduction:
- North Sea: quota reduction , change in cod biomass (a decrease).
This contrasts with the largest-cut regions, which both had increases. That contrast strengthens the idea that larger cuts are linked to rebounds.
Match the pattern to the answer choice
We need the option that describes:
- The two regions with the largest quota cuts (Barents at and Georges Bank at ) both having increases in cod biomass.
- The region with no quota reduction (North Sea at ) having a decrease in cod biomass.
The choice that clearly states this pattern is: “The two regions with the largest quota reductions experienced increases in cod biomass, while the region with no quota reduction experienced a decrease.”