Ignoratio elenchi (irrelevant conclusion)

Biological Parallel

Debate: 'Do taller plants outcompete shorter ones?' Response: 'Plants need light to survive.' True but irrelevant—the question is about competitive hierarchy, not basic requirements. This fallacy pervades ecology: asked about invasive species impact, ecologists cite native biodiversity value (true, irrelevant). The fallacy: answer a different question than asked. Biology is complex enough without conflating distinct questions. Precision requires addressing the actual claim.