The two government agencies responsible for species preservation are typically under budget and are known for an utter lack of cooperation. Unlike today, funding for the preservation of species was essentially nonexistent 15 years ago. Over the past 15 years, the salaries of conservationists employed by the government to work on species preservation solutions have increased at a rate twice that of inflation. Within the past 15 years, there have been breakthroughs in species demography that allow scientists to identify those species most in need of protection far before they face any real risk of extinction.
Zoologist: It is true that over the past 15 years, there has been a fourfold increase in government funding to preserve endangered species, while the number of endangered species needing such preservation has increased by only 70% (there were, however, a large number of endangered species to begin with 15 years ago). Taking into account inflation, the amount of funding is at least double what it was 15 years ago. Nevertheless, the current amount of funding from the government for species preservation is inadequate and must be enhanced.
Which one of the following, if true, most helps to reconcile the zoologist's conclusion with the above evidence?