StrengthenDiff: Easy
Logic Breakdown
Passage Summary: Paleontologists found a dinosaur with a beak structure similar to a duck's strainer, leading them to believe it ate like a duck.
Conclusion: The dinosaur species Gallimimus bullatus likely obtained its food by filtering it from water and mud.
Reasoning: Fossil evidence shows comblike plates in its beak, which are physically similar to the structures modern ducks and geese use for filter-feeding.
Analysis: The argument relies on a physical analogy between an extinct species and modern birds. To strengthen this, we should look for additional evidence that supports a filter-feeding lifestyle. This could involve finding fossils in environments that were once wetlands or showing that other physical traits, like the weak jaw muscles mentioned, are consistent with straining soft food rather than hunting or chewing tough plants. We want to make the 'duck-like' comparison as robust as possible.
Conclusion: The dinosaur species Gallimimus bullatus likely obtained its food by filtering it from water and mud.
Reasoning: Fossil evidence shows comblike plates in its beak, which are physically similar to the structures modern ducks and geese use for filter-feeding.
Analysis: The argument relies on a physical analogy between an extinct species and modern birds. To strengthen this, we should look for additional evidence that supports a filter-feeding lifestyle. This could involve finding fossils in environments that were once wetlands or showing that other physical traits, like the weak jaw muscles mentioned, are consistent with straining soft food rather than hunting or chewing tough plants. We want to make the 'duck-like' comparison as robust as possible.
Passage Stimulus
Passage Redacted
Unlock Full Passage5.Which one of the following, if true, most bolsters the support for the paleontologists' hypothesis?
Correct Answer
D
D directly supports the hypothesis by showing that G. bullatus lived in wet environments (lakes, rivers), making filter feeding from water and mud feasible and thus more likely.
Upgrade Your Prep
Ready to go beyond free explanations?
LSAT Perfection is the #1 modern LSAT prep platform, trusted by thousands of students for comprehensive test strategies, advanced drilling, and full analytics on every PrepTest.
Detailed explanations for 59 PrepTests
Advanced drillset builder
Personalized analytics
Built-in Wrong Answer Journal