LSAT 158 | Section 3 | Logical Reasoning: Q24

LR Question 24 Explanation

QUESTION TEXT: Scientist: Some consumer groups claim that the economic…

QUESTION TYPE: Weaken

CONCLUSION: The risk of genetically altered food is minimal.

REASONING: In most cases, only a single gene in 750,000 has changed. This is a small change and cannot have significant effects.

ANALYSIS: If you have background in biology, you may have already noticed the glaring issue in this argument. A single gene can affect a lot. Many disorders in humans are caused by a single gene being out of place. The same is true for plants.

The correct answer will weaken the conclusion – that is, show that the risk is likely not minimal. The argument relies on the gene claim, so the correct answer will likely refute this idea and show that there is more danger than the scientist thinks.

___________

1. Ultimately, it doesn’t matter if there are advantages. The author isn’t saying that genetically engineered plants are better, just that they’re safe.
2. This doesn’t weaken the argument – it actually establishes that the risks are even lower.
3. It doesn’t matter if scientists have identified every gene in every plant. That wouldn’t affect the argument that a single gene is negligible.
4. CORRECT. If changing a single gene can make a plant toxic, the argument that a single gene cannot have worrisome effects is invalid.
5. The reasons for people opposing genetically engineered foods are irrelevant. It doesn’t affect whether the foods are actually safer.

Recap: The question begins with “Scientist: Some consumer groups claim that the economic”. It is a Weaken question. Learn more about LSAT Weaken questions in our guide to LSAT Logical Reasoning question types.