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In recent years, commercial beekeepers have reported colony collapse: the disappearance of entire colonies of bees. A biologist, Dr. B, argues that colony collapse is caused by a new parasite, to which bees have not acquired immunity. A chemist, Dr. C, argues that colony collapse is caused by genetic damage from pesticides. And an ecologist, Dr. E, argues that 3 specific commercial beekeeping practices—transportation of hives over long distances, indiscriminate medication, and inbreeding—compromise both the immunity and the genetic diversity of bees, leaving them susceptible to mass die-offs from normally benign microbes.
Complete the table based on the stated views of Dr. B, Dr. C, and Dr. E. In the first column, select the factor common to both Dr. B's and Dr. E's accounts of colony collapse. In the second column, select the factor common to both Dr. C's and Dr. E's accounts of colony collapse. Make two selections, one in each column.
Factor
Genetics
Immunity
Medication
New parasites
Normally benign microbes
Pesticides
| Passage Statement | Analysis & Implications |
| "Dr. B argues that colony collapse is caused by a new parasite, to which bees have not acquired immunity" |
|
| "Dr. C argues that colony collapse is caused by genetic damage from pesticides" |
|
| "Dr. E argues that 3 specific commercial beekeeping practices...compromise both the immunity and the genetic diversity of bees" |
|
| "leaving them susceptible to mass die-offs from normally benign microbes" |
|
"Factor": Too vague; not a specific commonality
"Genetics":
- Dr. C mentions genetic damage
- Dr. E mentions genetic diversity compromise
- Valid for Dr. C & Dr. E comparison
"Immunity":
- Dr. B mentions lack of immunity
- Dr. E mentions compromised immunity
- Valid for Dr. B & Dr. E comparison
"Medication":
- Only Dr. E mentions this (as one of three practices)
- Not mentioned by Dr. B or Dr. C
"New parasites":
- Only Dr. B mentions this
- Dr. E specifically mentions "normally benign microbes" (opposite of new)
"Normally benign microbes":
- Only Dr. E mentions this
- Contradicts Dr. B's "new parasite" theory
"Pesticides":
- Only Dr. C mentions this
- Not part of Dr. B's or Dr. E's primary explanation
Column 1 (Dr. B and Dr. E): Immunity
- Both scientists identify immunity issues as central to colony collapse
- Dr. B: Lack of acquired immunity
- Dr. E: Compromised immunity from commercial practices
Column 2 (Dr. C and Dr. E): Genetics
- Both scientists identify genetic factors as central to colony collapse
- Dr. C: Genetic damage from pesticides
- Dr. E: Reduced genetic diversity from commercial practices
We can confirm:
- Each answer is independently supported by the passage
- The pair completely addresses both parts of the question
- No speculation beyond stated facts
- Each column has exactly one correct answer