While biodiversity is indispensable to the survival of life on Earth, biodiversity does not require the survival of every currently existing species. For there to be life on Earth, various ecological niches must be filled; many niches, however, can be filled by more than one species.
Which one of the following statements most accurately expresses the conclusion drawn in the argument?
(A) Biodiversity does not require that all existing species continue to exist.
(B) There are various ecological niches that must be filled if there is to be life on Earth.
(C) The survival of life on Earth depends upon biodiversity.
(D) There are many ecological niches that can be filled by more than one species.
(E) The species most indispensable for biodiversity fill more than one ecological niche.
A. Correct. This is the main conclusion.
B. This provides background that supports the conclusion, but it’s not the conclusion itself.
C. This is a qualifying statement that adds context—it helps frame the conclusion but doesn’t state it.
D. This serves as evidence that not every species is essential, helping to support the argument.
E. The stimulus never discusses “the species most indispensable for biodiversity,” so this can't be the conclusion. It introduces a new idea not found in the argument.
