Question 3

Preservation of plant and animal species can conflict with important economic plans made by the Brazilian government.

The complexity of preserving tropical rain forests in Brazil arises from the conflict between the government's economic plans, which favor land clearing for cattle ranching, and the need to preserve ecosystems that sustain various species. This tension highlights the challenges of balancing economic interests with environmental conservation.

A) The Brazilian government is unwilling to make preservation of plant and animal species an important priority.

This option is incorrect as the extract indicates that the Brazilian government does want to preserve land to sustain plant and animal species, showing a commitment to conservation efforts. Thus, it is not a matter of unwillingness but rather of conflicting priorities.

B) Research on preserving plant and animal species in Brazil has reported contradictory findings about how large tracts of land must be if species are to survive in them.

This choice is incorrect because the passage does not mention contradictory findings; instead, it highlights ongoing research aimed at determining the minimum critical size of tracts needed for species' survival. The focus is on understanding species interdependence rather than conflicting data.

C) Generalizations about how large tracts of land must be to support species survival do not apply to Brazilian rain forests because the forests comprise an unusually large number of species.

This option is also incorrect. While the passage discusses the unique interdependence of species in rain forests, it does not assert that generalizations are inapplicable due to species numbers. Rather, it illustrates the specific ecological dynamics at play without dismissing broader findings.

D) Preservation of plant and animal species can conflict with important economic plans made by the Brazilian government.

This statement is correct, as the extract clearly outlines the tension between economic development through cattle ranching and the necessity of preserving ecosystems. The conflict between these priorities is a central theme in the passage.

E) The Brazilian government does not have the financial resources needed to protect its plant and animal species.

This statement is incorrect as the passage does not address financial resources as a barrier to conservation. The primary issue discussed is the competing economic interests that challenge preservation efforts, not a lack of funding.

Conclusion

Option D accurately encapsulates the core issue presented in the passage, highlighting the conflict between economic development and ecological preservation in Brazil. The other options misinterpret the passage's content or present inaccuracies regarding the government's priorities and the nature of the research being conducted. Thus, D stands out as the correct answer, reflecting the complexities involved in conservation efforts.