Flawed ReasoningDiff: Medium
Logic Breakdown
Passage Summary: Scientists used to think only a few animals could have babies without a mate, but now that they are looking closer, they keep finding more examples, so they assume the total number of such species is growing.
Conclusion: The actual number of species capable of asexual reproduction is currently increasing.
Reasoning: While it was once thought rare, recent increased scientific interest has led to the discovery of many more species, such as sharks and Komodo dragons, that can reproduce this way.
Analysis: The author makes a classic error by confusing an increase in our knowledge with an increase in the actual phenomenon. Just because we are finding more examples of parthenogenesis doesn't mean it's happening more often; it likely means we are just getting better at spotting it. Look for an answer choice that identifies this failure to consider that the species were likely capable of this all along. The argument treats a change in discovery as a change in biological reality.
Conclusion: The actual number of species capable of asexual reproduction is currently increasing.
Reasoning: While it was once thought rare, recent increased scientific interest has led to the discovery of many more species, such as sharks and Komodo dragons, that can reproduce this way.
Analysis: The author makes a classic error by confusing an increase in our knowledge with an increase in the actual phenomenon. Just because we are finding more examples of parthenogenesis doesn't mean it's happening more often; it likely means we are just getting better at spotting it. Look for an answer choice that identifies this failure to consider that the species were likely capable of this all along. The argument treats a change in discovery as a change in biological reality.
Passage Stimulus
Passage Redacted
Unlock Full Passage9.The reasoning in the argument is most vulnerable to criticism on the grounds that the argument
Correct Answer
C
The argument assumes that because earlier we had not observed many species reproducing by parthenogenesis, those species didn’t have that ability then. That is taking ignorance of an occurrence as evidence it did not occur, which directly matches choice C.
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