WeakenDiff: Easy
Logic Breakdown
Passage Summary: We share a lot of illnesses with cats because our DNA is remarkably similar to theirs.
Conclusion: The genetic similarity between humans and cats explains why they share so many diseases.
Reasoning: Many human diseases are genetic, and cats are genetically closer to humans than most other mammals, sharing exact counterparts for all identified human genes.
Analysis: The columnist provides a correlation between genetic similarity and shared diseases and concludes that the former causes the latter. To weaken this, look for an answer that suggests an alternative cause, such as shared environments or common pathogens that affect different species regardless of DNA. Alternatively, if other animals that are even more genetically similar to humans do not share these diseases, the columnist's explanation would be significantly undermined. Focus on decoupling the 'genetic link' from the 'disease link.'
Conclusion: The genetic similarity between humans and cats explains why they share so many diseases.
Reasoning: Many human diseases are genetic, and cats are genetically closer to humans than most other mammals, sharing exact counterparts for all identified human genes.
Analysis: The columnist provides a correlation between genetic similarity and shared diseases and concludes that the former causes the latter. To weaken this, look for an answer that suggests an alternative cause, such as shared environments or common pathogens that affect different species regardless of DNA. Alternatively, if other animals that are even more genetically similar to humans do not share these diseases, the columnist's explanation would be significantly undermined. Focus on decoupling the 'genetic link' from the 'disease link.'
Passage Stimulus
Passage Redacted
Unlock Full Passage3.Which one of the following, if true, most weakens the science columnist's explanation for the claim that humans have so many diseases in common with cats?
Correct Answer
B
If most shared diseases aren’t genetic, then genetic similarity can’t explain why humans and cats share them, directly undercutting the columnist’s explanation.
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