Alexis learns that the Amazon rainforest is being deforested at a high rate. She writes a proposal to suggest a way to reduce the effects of deforestation. The first part of her proposal is shown below.

Question

People need to take action to save the Amazon rainforest. The size of the rainforest is decreasing by about 7,000 square kilometers each year. Most of the deforested land in the Amazon is turned into pastures for cattle. Grazing cattle can quickly eat all of the grass in the pasture. When this happens, more of the rainforest is cut down to make new pastures. So, to limit their effects on the rainforest, people should make sure to reforest old pastures once they are done using them. This will help the rainforest recover.

Which of the following true statements could Alexis include in her proposal to best support her argument?
A.
Some deforested land in the Amazon rainforest is used to grow crops like soybeans.
B.
The rate at which the Amazon rainforest is being deforested is decreasing.
C.
It takes many decades for trees in the rainforest to grow to maturity after planting.
D.
Old pastures can be reforested with little effort by planting native seeds on them

Answer 1

To best support Alexis's argument about reforesting old pastures to help the Amazon rainforest recover, the most relevant statement is:

D. Old pastures can be reforested with little effort by planting native seeds on them.

This statement directly supports her proposal by emphasizing that reforesting is a feasible action that can be done easily, aligning with her argument for taking action to mitigate the effects of deforestation.

The other options, while true, do not directly support her specific argument about reforesting old pastures.