The average life expectancy for the entire United States (US) population is 73.9 years, born in Hawaii will live an average of 77 years, and those born in Louisiana, 71.7 years. If a newlywed couple from Louisiana were to begin their family in Hawaii, therefore, their children would be expected to live longer than would be the case if the family remained in Louisiana. Which of the following, if true, would most seriously weaken the conclusion drawn in the passage?
- A. Insurance company statisticians do not believe that moving to Hawaii will significantly lengthen the average Louisianan's life.
- B. The governor of Louisiana has falsely alleged that statistics for his state are inaccurate
- C. The longevity ascribed to Hawaii's current population is attributable mostly to genetically determined factors
- D. Thirty percent of all Louisianans can expect to live longer than 77 years
Answer: C. The longevity ascribed to Hawaii's current population is attributable mostly to genetically determined factors
Explanation: Logical reasoning: genetic predisposition accounts for regional longevity variations rather than migration alone.