Complete the ArgumentDiff: Medium
Logic Breakdown
Passage Summary: Scientists found old bugs in a cave. Those bugs don't live there anymore; they moved to a colder spot a few miles away. This suggests the cave used to be as chilly as that new spot.
Conclusion: The environment surrounding the cave was likely colder two millennia ago than it is today.
Reasoning: Mite remains from 2,000 years ago were found in the cave, and those specific species currently only inhabit cooler regions nearby.
Analysis: This argument hinges on the biological consistency of the mites over time. It assumes that the temperature requirements for these mites haven't changed in 2,000 years. If the mites used to thrive in heat but evolved to prefer the cold later, the presence of their ancestors in the cave wouldn't prove the cave was cold. To complete the argument, look for a premise stating that these mites have always required a cool climate to survive.
Conclusion: The environment surrounding the cave was likely colder two millennia ago than it is today.
Reasoning: Mite remains from 2,000 years ago were found in the cave, and those specific species currently only inhabit cooler regions nearby.
Analysis: This argument hinges on the biological consistency of the mites over time. It assumes that the temperature requirements for these mites haven't changed in 2,000 years. If the mites used to thrive in heat but evolved to prefer the cold later, the presence of their ancestors in the cave wouldn't prove the cave was cold. To complete the argument, look for a premise stating that these mites have always required a cool climate to survive.
Passage Stimulus
Passage Redacted
Unlock Full Passage8.The conclusion of the argument is most strongly supported if which one of the following completes the passage?
Correct Answer
A
If these mite species can only survive in very specific climates, and today they occupy a cooler area, then their presence at the cave 2,000 years ago strongly indicates the cave area had that (cool) climate then.
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