LSAT 2 | Section 2 | Logical Reasoning: Q18

LR Question 18 Explanation

QUESTION TEXT: Learning how to build a nest plays an important part…

QUESTION TYPE: Weaken

CONCLUSION: Learning how to build a nest plays an important part in the breeding success of birds.

REASONING: Blackbirds nesting for the first time are less successful than older birds, and they are less successful than when they try again in future years (with more experience.) It cannot be size that causes increased success, because blackbirds are fully grown by the time they build their nest.

ANALYSIS: If there are other factors apart from size and experience, that could weaken the argument.

___________

1. That may be that blackbirds build better nests than other birds. But it doesn’t explain why younger blackbirds breed less than older blackbirds.
2. CORRECT. If breeding success is also dependent on capacity to lay eggs, this weakens the argument. Even if a young blackbird could build the best possible nest it would still be more successful in the future because it could lay more eggs.
3. The argument already makes this claim, relating to blackbirds. But why is this the case?
4. This means size isn’t an issue. But the stimulus already ruled out size as an important issue.
5. Poor birds (all birds.) This doesn’t really tell us much about the difference between young and old blackbirds.

Recap: The question begins with “Learning how to build a nest plays an important part”. It is a Weaken question. Learn more about LSAT Weaken questions in our guide to LSAT Logical Reasoning question types.