Explanation
The meteorologist's argument suggests that while the reported number of tornadoes has increased, this is likely due to improved detection rather than an actual increase in tornado occurrences. We need to find the best support for this argument.
A. The constant physical damage from an average tornado does not support the claim about the frequency of tornadoes. It does not address whether improvements in detection rather than an actual increase in tornadoes could account for the higher number of reported tornadoes.
B. If the number of tornadoes hitting major population centers has more than doubled, this could suggest an actual increase in tornado occurrences, which is contrary to the meteorologist's claim that the detection rate has improved.
C. (Correct Response) The constant number of large and medium-sized tornadoes reported annually supports the meteorologist's argument. If these numbers haven't changed, it strengthens the claim that the increase in reported tornadoes is due to better detection, not an actual increase in occurrences.
D. A steady increase in deaths due to tornadoes could imply that tornado occurrences have genuinely increased, which would oppose the meteorologist's reasoning.
E. The unchanged geographic range of tornadoes does not support the argument. The frequency could still increase within the same range due to better detection, but it does not directly corroborate the meteorologist's specific claim about reporting versus actual occurrences.