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      Question

      Read the passage below and determine which combination

      of the given statements STRENGTHENS the assertion made by advocates in the text. Passage: The commercial aviation industry faces intense scrutiny over two major challenges: the high cost of synthetic aviation fuel (SAF) and the massive carbon footprint associated with harvesting its primary crop-based feedstocks. Recently, an aerospace consortium has proposed developing a new generation of algae-based biofuels that are drastically cheaper to refine, utilize non-arable marine environments, and emit nearly identical energy yields compared to traditional aviation fuels. Advocates argue that these algae-based fuels could completely transform sustainable aviation adoption worldwide. Statements: 1. Algae-based biofuels can be distributed and pumped using existing airport fueling pipelines and jet engine architectures with zero modification costs. 2. Marine algae is highly abundant and can be harvested rapidly in open ocean farms without causing deforestation or biodiversity loss. 3. The freezing point of early-generation algae biofuel is significantly higher than conventional jet fuel, making it unsafe for ultra-long-haul flights at high altitudes.
      A Only 1 and 2 Correct Answer Incorrect Answer
      B Only 2 Correct Answer Incorrect Answer
      C Only 1 and 3 Correct Answer Incorrect Answer
      D Only 2 and 3 Correct Answer Incorrect Answer
      E All 1, 2, and 3 Correct Answer Incorrect Answer

      Solution

      Analysis: The core argument made by advocates is that algae-based biofuels could completely transform sustainable aviation adoption worldwide by addressing the cost and environmental drawbacks of current options. We must evaluate which statements support this claim: Statement 1 strengthens the argument. One of the biggest hurdles to adopting new alternative fuels is the cost of rebuilding logistics systems. By demonstrating that this fuel can seamlessly utilize existing airport pipelines and engine architectures with "zero modification costs," Statement 1 proves that switching over is financially and operationally viable for airlines, heavily strengthening the adoption argument. Statement 2 strengthens the argument. The passage highlights that a major criticism of current alternatives is the "environmental footprint associated with harvesting its primary crop-based feedstocks." Statement 2 directly addresses this flaw by proving that marine algae can be harvested sustainably in the ocean without causing land-based environmental damage like deforestation. This validates the environmental advantage claimed by advocates. Statement 3 WEAKENS the argument. By revealing a severe operational vulnerability—a higher freezing point that makes the fuel unsafe for ultra-long-haul flights at high altitudes—this statement highlights a critical limitation. It demonstrates that the new technology cannot fully replace traditional fuel across all flight segments, undermining the claim that it will easily transform global adoption. Therefore, since Statements 1 and 2 strengthen the argument while Statement 3 weakens it, A is the correct answer choice.

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