Roxanne states that those concerned about endangered species should not buy any new ivory but they can buy antique ivory in good conscience because purchasing antique ivory provides no incentive to poachers to obtain more new ivory.
Salvador points out that since current demand for antique ivory exceeds supply, those who are unconcerned with endangered species and want to buy antique ivory will end up buying new ivory instead. Thus, Salvador advocates that those concerned with endangered species should abstain from purchasing ivory altogether, thereby ensuring that the demand for new ivory will drop.
Answer choice (B) states "decreased demand for antique ivory would cause a decrease in demand for new ivory."
Roxanne would not agree with (B) because she states "The new ivory and old ivory markets are entirely independent...so purchasing antique ivory provides no incentive to poachers to obtain more new ivory." Roxanne believes that one concerned with endangered animals can buy antique ivory in good conscience because the demand for antique ivory has no effect on the demand for new ivory.
Salvador, on the other hand, would agree with answer choice (B) because he states that "many people who are unconcerned about endangered species but would prefer to buy antique ivory are buying new ivory instead," due to the fact that current demand for antique ivory exceeds the supply. Thus, if the demand for antique ivory did not exceed the supply, these people may not necessarily buy new ivory. Thus, Roxanne and Salvador disagree with answer choice (B).
Hope that was helpful! Let us know if you have any other questions!
BatmanMarch 15, 2014
Thanks a lot!!!
Samantha-AlexisJune 13, 2019
Thank you for the explanation. I now understand why answer B is correct; however, can you please explain why answer E is incorrect. Thank you!
VictoriaJune 15, 2019
Hi @Samantha-Alexis,
Answer E is incorrect because it discusses ivory that is less than 75 years old. We are looking for a point on which Roxanne's and Salvador's views differ.
Roxanne argues that people concerned about endangered species should only buy ivory that is at least 75 years old. Salvador argues that these people should not buy any ivory at all.
Therefore, their views on whether people should buy ivory that is less than 75 years old are the same. They both believe that anyone who cares about endangered species should not purchase ivory that is less than 75 years old.
Where their views differ is whether people concerned about endangered species should buy ivory that is more than 75 years old. Roxanne argues that they can buy this ivory in good conscience whereas Salvador argues that they should not buy any ivory at all.
A small difference between these two arguments meant to trip you up. The more you practice, the better you will become at picking up on these slight differences.
Hope this helps! Keep up the good work!
Please let us know if you have any further questions.
