LSAT 17, Logical Reasoning II, Q2, LSATHacks

LR Question 2 Explanation, by LSATHacks

QUESTION TEXT: A certain type of insect trap uses a scented lure to attract…

QUESTION TYPE: Paradox

FACTS:

1. An insect trap uses a scented lure to attract rose beetles into a plastic bag trap.
2. If many lures are in a garden then the rose beetle population declines.
3. If only one lure is used then the population increases.

ANALYSIS: Plastic bags are only so big. If there is just one trap then it could fill up and be unable to trap more beetles. Yet other beetles will still be attracted by the scent of the lure and come into the garden. That could cause the increase in beetles.

___________

1. This would not explain why the number of beetles in the garden increased.
2. This is tempting. Yet it only explains why one trap can catch fewer beetles. It doesn’t explain why the number of beetles in the garden actually increases when there is only one trap.
3. This offers no explanation for the increase.
4. CORRECT. Here we go. The number of beetles attracted is about the same no matter how many traps there are. But one trap will attract more beetles than it can catch. This explains the increase.
5. This explains why the trap has a limited capacity to catch bugs. It doesn’t tell us why the overall number of bugs actually increased.

Recap: The question begins with “A certain type of insect trap uses a scented lure to attract”. It is a Paradox question. Learn more about LSAT Paradox questions in our guide to LSAT Logical Reasoning question types.

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