Last year a global disturbance of weather patterns disrupted harvests in many of the world's important agricultural areas. worldwide production of soybeans, an important source of protein for people and livestock alike, was not adversely affected, however. indeed, last year's soybean crop was actually slightly larger than average. nevertheless, the weather phenomenon is probably responsible for a recent increase in the world price of soybeans.

which of the following, if true, provides the strongest justification for the attribution of the increase in soybean prices to the weather phenomenon?

(a) last year's harvest of anchovies, which provide an important protein source for livestock, was disrupted by the effects of the weather phenomenon.

(b) most countries that produce soybeans for export had above-average harvests of a number of food crops other than soybeans last year.

(c) the world price of soybeans also rose several years ago, immediately after an earlier occurrence of similar global weather disturbance.

(d) heavy rains attributable to the weather phenomenon improved grazing pastures last year, allowing farmers in many parts of the world to reduce their dependence on supplemental feed.

(e) prior to last year, soybean prices had been falling for several years.