Logical (Critical) Reasoning Questions for CLAT | QB Set 73

The wildlife trade’s connection to zoonotic diseases in humans has long been a topic of debate. Many infectious diseases arise when pathogens—microorganisms that cause disease—are transferred from animals to humans. The COVID-19 pandemic, believed to have originated from a wildlife wet market, has reignited discussions on wildlife trade as a potential source of zoonotic diseases. However, quantitative assessments of the zoonotic disease risk linked to wildlife trade are limited. A recent study, in which I participated, presents new evidence strongly associating wildlife trade with zoonotic disease risk.

The study, which combined data on mammal species hosting zoonotic viruses with information on mammals involved in the wildlife trade, revealed that 26.5% of traded mammals carry 75% of known zoonotic viruses. This is significantly higher than the levels observed in domesticated and non-traded mammals. Additionally, traded mammals host a unique combination of zoonotic viruses and different host reservoirs compared to their non-traded counterparts.

The study further emphasizes that primates, ungulates, carnivores, and bats pose a considerable risk, hosting 132 (58%) of the 226 zoonotic viruses in the current wildlife trade. In contrast, bats, rodents, and marsupials are anticipated to represent significant risks in the future. Thus, the risk of zoonotic disease varies across different species within the wildlife trade.

Overall, the findings underscore the need for mitigation efforts, particularly targeting species most at risk of carrying zoonotic viruses. Reducing wildlife product sales and adopting sustainable wildlife trade practices could significantly reduce the risk and consequences of zoonotic disease outbreaks.

Question 1: What is the central issue discussed in the passage?

A) The role of domestic animals in transmitting zoonotic diseases to humans.
B) The significant risk posed by wildlife trade in transmitting zoonotic diseases.
C) The potential benefits of adopting sustainable wildlife trade practices.
D) The importance of preventing wildlife extinction due to zoonotic diseases.

Question 2: Which of the following, if true, would most weaken the argument that the wildlife trade is a major source of zoonotic disease outbreaks?

A) Recent studies have found that domesticated animals carry a higher number of zoonotic viruses than traded mammals.
B) Data from the study show that wildlife product sales have decreased significantly in recent years.
C) Only a small percentage of mammals involved in the wildlife trade are traded internationally.
D) There are effective vaccines available for the majority of zoonotic viruses found in wildlife.

Question 3: Which assumption underlies the argument that wildlife trade mitigation efforts could reduce zoonotic disease risk?

A) Wildlife product sales have a direct correlation with the spread of zoonotic viruses.
B) Most zoonotic viruses found in wildlife have not yet been transmitted to humans.
C) Governments will enact laws to ban all wildlife trade in the near future.
D) The wildlife trade is the primary source of zoonotic viruses in humans, compared to other forms of animal contact.

Question 4: What inference can be drawn about the future risks of zoonotic diseases, based on the passage?

A) Bats, rodents, and marsupials are expected to become significant contributors to zoonotic disease outbreaks in the future.
B) The wildlife trade will decline significantly due to public health concerns over zoonotic viruses.
C) Carnivores and ungulates will pose no risk of zoonotic diseases in the future.
D) Zoonotic viruses are unlikely to spread from wildlife to humans without direct contact.

Question 5: Which of the following is a strong argument supporting the need for targeting specific species in wildlife trade mitigation efforts?

A) Targeting specific species like primates and bats is more cost-effective than banning the entire wildlife trade.
B) Primates, ungulates, and bats host a significant percentage of known zoonotic viruses, posing the highest risk for disease outbreaks.
C) Wildlife trade bans are often unenforceable in many parts of the world, making targeted efforts more realistic.
D) Mitigating the spread of zoonotic diseases requires global cooperation, which can only be achieved through selective species management.