LSAT 150 | Section 3 | Logical Reasoning: Q15

LR Question 15 Explanation

QUESTION TEXT: Carrillo: Using the number of existing primate species…

QUESTION TYPE: Point at Issue

ARGUMENTS:

Carrillo: Our model supports the conclusion that the first primate developed around 81.5 million years ago. This is based on the number of species and genetic diversity among existing and extinct species.

Olson: We only have fossils going back 55 million years, so your estimate is only speculation.

ANALYSIS: Carrillo has this model that they believe shows that primates came about 81.5 million years ago. Olson doesn’t necessarily say this is wrong, but says that this is purely speculation.

In Point at Issue questions, it’s very important to make sure you nail down what each person is saying. Olson is not saying that the model’s calculations are wrong, or that primates certainly came about 55 million years ago. Olson just thinks the model’s conclusion is speculative. This shows that Olson has less faith in the model than Carrillo – she prefers to base her estimates on things like fossils.

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1. See analysis above – Olson doesn’t actually say that primates are certainly younger than the model says.
2. CORRECT. Olson thinks Carrillo’s conclusion is “speculation”. This shows that she doesn’t think his model is as good as Carrillo thinks it is – she prefers fossils.
3. Carrillo doesn’t give us an opinion on whether fossils are representative.
4. Carrillo doesn’t necessarily think the fossil dating is inaccurate. Carrillo just thinks that the earliest primates are older.
5. Olson doesn’t necessarily think that this is the oldest fossil, or that it’s from the first species. She just doesn’t think the model can say for sure.

Recap: The question begins with “Carrillo: Using the number of existing primate species”. It is a Point at Issue question. Learn how to master LSAT Point at Issue questions on the LSAT Logical Reasoning question types page.