LSAT 105 | Section 2 | Logical Reasoning: Q18

LR Question 18 Explanation

QUESTION TEXT: In recent years the climate has been generally cool in…

QUESTION TYPE: Paradox

PARADOX: Currently, northern Asian crops grow better when heat and humidity are slightly higher. Yet experts predict that crops yields will decrease when slightly warmer and more humid temperatures become the norm.

ANALYSIS: Right now, the spikes in heat are temporary, and they’re beneficial. Some things are good in small quantities but bad in larger amounts. The right answer tells us that consistently warm temperatures will bring crop pests.

___________

1. Southern Asia is irrelevant to Northern Asia.
2. Higher temperatures would seem to support more plant growth, by increasing CO2.
3. CORRECT. If the climate is consistently warm and wet then more pests might move in and eat crops.
4. This would help plant growth. It deepens the mystery.
5. So? Plants do grow during the warm months. The question is about why plants won’t grow during the growing season.

Recap: The question begins with “In recent years the climate has been generally cool in”. It is a Paradox question. Learn more about LSAT Paradox questions in our guide to LSAT Logical Reasoning question types.