LSAT 107 – Section 1 – Question 12

LSAT 107 - Section 1 - Question 12

October 1999

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Question
QuickView		 Type Tags Answer
Choices		 Curve Question
Difficulty		 Psg/Game/S
Difficulty		 Explanation
PT107 S1 Q12
+LR
Method of reasoning or descriptive +Method
A
5%
158
B
2%
157
C
11%
162
D
80%
165
E
1%
153
129
144
159
 +Medium 147.515 +SubsectionMedium

It is well known that many species adapt to their environment, but it is usually assumed that only the most highly evolved species alter their environment in ways that aid their own survival. However, this characteristic is actually quite common. Certain species of plankton, for example, generate a gas that is converted in the atmosphere into particles of sulfate. These particles cause water vapor to condense, thus forming clouds. Indeed, the formation of clouds over the ocean largely depends on the presence of these particles. More cloud cover means more sunlight is reflected, and so the Earth absorbs less heat. Thus plankton cause the surface of the Earth to be cooler and this benefits the plankton.

Summarize Argument: Counter-Position
The author considers the general principle that only highly evolved species alter the environment to aid their survival and concludes this characteristic is common. As evidence, the author provides an example of some species of plankton. Plankton generate a gas that is converted into particles of sulfate, which causes water vapor to condense and form clouds. More cloud cover causes more sunlight to be reflected so the Earth absorbs less heat. Therefore, these plankton cause the surface of the Earth to be cooler for their benefit.

Describe Method of Reasoning
The author counters a position held by others. She offers a counter example to illustrate that the general principle believed by others is incorrect. If some species of plankton are able to alter the environment for their benefit, then it cannot be true that only highly evolved species have this characteristic.

A
A general principle is used to justify a claim made about a particular case to which that principle has been shown to apply.
The author’s argument counters the general principle believed by others. The particular case of certain species of plankton counters this general principle.
B
An explanation of how a controversial phenomenon could have come about is given in order to support the claim that this phenomenon did in fact come about.
The author does not address any phenomenon that is controversial. We cannot assume that because certain species of plankton act contrary to what others believe that the behavior of these plankton is controversial.
C
A generalization about the conditions under which a certain process can occur is advanced on the basis of an examination of certain cases in which that process did occur.
The author’s argument counters the general principle believed by others. The general principle believed by others is not a generalization about conditions a certain process can occur. Rather, the generalization is about what kinds of species can alter their environment.
D
A counterexample to a position being challenged is presented in order to show that this position is incorrect.
The position being challenged is the general principle that only highly evolved species can alter their environment to aid their own survival. The counterexample the author provides to counter this position is the case of certain species of plankton.
E
A detailed example is used to illustrate the advantage of one strategy over another.
The author does not compare strategies. The author’s argument only presents one strategy that certain species of plankton use.

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LSAT PrepTest 107 Explanations

Section 1 - Logical Reasoning

Section 2 - Reading Comprehension

Section 3 - Logical Reasoning

Section 4 - Logical Reasoning

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