LSAT 104 | Section 1 | Logical Reasoning: Q8

LR Question 8 Explanation

QUESTION TEXT: The gray squirrel, introduced into local woodlands ten years ago…

QUESTION TYPE: Weaken

CONCLUSION: Owls won’t be hurt by the poison.

REASONING: The poison will only be in places where squirrels and rodents can reach it.

ANALYSIS: If you know anything about owls, you’ll know they eat squirrels and rodents. Owls might be hurt if they catch poisoned squirrels.

It’s also possible that the poison will eliminate the owls’ prey, and the owls will starve.

___________

1. If owls don’t eat red squirrels, then owls won’t be at risk if red squirrels are poisoned. Killing the red squirrel is an unintended effect, but it won’t hurt owls.
2. CORRECT. This does it. The owls’ prey will die, and the owls might be at risk from eating poisoned rodents.
3. The argument is about owls. We don’t have to care about other birds.
4. The stimulus makes clear that the squirrels still do manage to hurt the owls. If you strip bark from a tree, you can kill the tree.
5. This strengthens the argument. The poison is less likely to kill non-rodents.

Recap: The question begins with “The gray squirrel, introduced into local woodlands ten years ago”. It is a Weaken question. Learn more about LSAT Weaken questions in our guide to LSAT Logical Reasoning question types.