Question

consider this claim: of all the species of birds, owls are the wisest. now consider how someone might argue against this. which sentence presents the strongest and most reasonable counter - claim to the above claim? the idea of the \wise owl\ probably came from legends of athena, the greek goddess of wisdom, who was often shown with an owl. studies show that owls are not as good at problem solving as birds like crows, magpies, and parrots are. owls cant be wise because they have tiny bird brains, and they have no intelligence whatsoever.

Explanation:

The first option just explains the origin of the "wise owl" idea, not a counter - claim about actual wisdom. The third option is an extreme and unsubstantiated statement. The second option provides scientific evidence (studies) that owls are not as good at problem - solving as some other birds, which is a strong and reasonable counter - claim to the idea that owls are the wisest birds.

Answer:

Studies show that owls are not as good at problem solving as birds like crows, magpies, and parrots are.