Question

Scientists have discovered a new species of butterfly that lives only in a small region of Central America and is active only at night. During the day, it rests in treetops, where its green color matches the foliage perfectly. Therefore, the scientists must have discovered the butterfly at night.

The argument depends on which of the following assumptions?

A) The newly discovered butterfly is not related to any other species of butterfly.
B) There is no way for the scientists to detect the butterfly during the day.
C) No other butterfly species lives in this region of Central America.
D) The foliage in the butterfly's habitat is completely green.
E) The butterfly cannot survive in areas outside of Central America.

Answer 1

Answer: Option D) The foliage in the butterfly's habitat is completely green.

Explanation:

The green color of the new butterfly specie will only match the foliage perfectly, once it is assumed that the leaves of the plants found in the butterfly's habitat is completely green. Thus, this mimicry makes the butterfly unnoticed during the day.