LSAT 150 | Section 3 | Logical Reasoning: Q2

LR Question 2 Explanation

QUESTION TEXT: The Common Loon is a migratory bird that winters…

QUESTION TYPE: Paradox

PARADOX: Loons will often intrude on a lake that’s occupied by other loons instead of taking a nearby suitable lake.

ANALYSIS: To resolve this paradox, there has to be some benefit to intruding that doesn’t exist when settling a new lake. If there was no benefit, intruding would not be worth the effort of contesting the territory against other loons.

It’s possible that it’s advantageous to oust other loons from the area. Or that loons prefer a lake that loons have already lived in. Whatever it is, it has to be an advantage of intruding that makes it worth the effort..

___________

1. This doesn’t resolve the paradox – it actually provides evidence for why loons should be settling vacant lakes.
2. This tells us more about how loons start contests, but doesn’t say why contests are preferred.
3. This tells us that they are often successful, but doesn’t explain why they do it.
4. CORRECT. This shows us what the benefit is – the loons see another pair of loons and know that the location is suitable for breeding. It’s possible that not all lakes are suitable, and this is the easiest way to tell.
5. This tells us the loons’ criteria for a suitable lake, but not why they often intrude instead of finding their own.

Recap: The question begins with “The Common Loon is a migratory bird that winters”. It is a Paradox question. Learn more about LSAT Paradox questions in our guide to LSAT Logical Reasoning question types.