LSAT 19, Logical Reasoning I, Q8, LSATHacks

LR Question 8 Explanation, by LSATHacks

QUESTION TEXT: The curvature of the claws of modern…

QUESTION TYPE: Method of Reasoning

CONCLUSION: The paleontologist concludes that the ornithologist hasn’t given us solid proof that the Archaeopteryx lived in trees.

REASONING: The ornithologist proved that Archaeopteryx could have lived in trees. But chickens also could live in trees. Yet chickens do not live in trees.

ANALYSIS: Merely showing that an animal could do something doesn’t prove that it will.

The ornithologist should have given actual evidence that the Archaeopteryx did live in trees.

The paleontologist uses an analogy to show that the ornithologist has made a weak argument.

___________

1. Show me where the paleontologist mentioned the ornithologist’s qualifications.
2. The paleontologist agrees with the ornithologist’s claims. But he adds new context that shows the claims don’t prove the ornithologist’s conclusion.
3. CORRECT. The example of the chicken shows that not all animals capable of living in trees actually do live in trees.
4. The paleontologist doesn’t say the ornithologist is necessarily wrong; Archaeopteryx might have lived in trees. The paleontologist just points out that the ornithologist hasn’t given sufficient evidence to prove the conclusion.
5. Not at all. The paleontologist disagrees with the ornithologist.

Recap: The question begins with “The curvature of the claws of modern”. It is a Method of Reasoning question. Learn more about LSAT Method of Reasoning questions in our guide to LSAT Logical Reasoning question types.

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