Question

"Tigers can attack in a minute without warning, so they should never be kept as a pet. In my 22 years of working with tigers at the Columbus Zoo, I have learned that tigers can be very volatile." This is an example of:

Answer 1

The statement is an example of inductive reasoning where a general conclusion about tiger behavior is made from specific observations, emphasizing the dangers of keeping such unpredictable and potentially aggressive wild animals as pets.

Step-by-step explanation:

The statement given is an example of reasoning from specific instances to a general conclusion and then applying that conclusion to another specific instance, a process known as inductive reasoning. The individual with 22 years of experience working with tigers at the Columbus Zoo has observed the volatile behavior of tigers and uses that extensive experience as a basis to give advice about why tigers should not be kept as pets. This example highlights the inherent dangers in keeping wild animals, given their strong predatory instincts and the potential for aggressive behavior without warning.

Understanding animal behavior through such observations is crucial in Biology, where the study of instincts and the fight-or-flight response are key to comprehending how animals interact with their environment and with humans. The notion of 'Nature, red in tooth and claw' implies a raw and often violent struggle for survival among animals, which is why they exhibit these survival mechanisms. The excerpt appropriately illustrates the importance of respecting wild animals' natural dispositions and acknowledging their ecological roles within their habitats.