The population of peregrine falcons declined rapidly during the 1950' s and 1960' s and reached an all-time low in the early 1970' s. The decline was attributed by scientists to the widespread use of the pesticide DDT in rural areas. Which of the following, if true, gives the strongest support to the scientists' claim? ['Peregrine falcons, like other birds of prey, abandon eggs that have fallen out of the nest, even if the eggs remain intact.', 'In the time since the use of DDT was banned in 1972, the population of peregrine falcons has been steadily increasing.', 'DDT was not generally in use in areas devoted to heavy industry.', 'Other birds of prey, such as the osprey, the bald eagle, and the brown pelican, are found in the same areas as is the peregrine falcon.']