The Burmese ferret badger burrows its home in the ground. Based on the fact that different local populations of Burmese ferret badgers of the same species dig homes of different styles, zoologists have concluded that the badgers building styles are a culturally acquired, rather than a genetically transmitted, trait.Which of the following, if true, would most strengthen the conclusion drawn by the zoologists?
Answer(s): B
The best answer is B. The information in choice B says that young Burmese ferret badgers progress slowly towards mastery of a burrow-digging style. This suggests that the skill is one they must learn, rather than one whose transmission is wholly genetic. Choice B also suggests a means of cultural transmission, namely, observation of older badger’s techniques.
In some cities, many potters have been winning acclaim as artists. But since pottery must be useful, potters must exercise their craft with an eye to the practical utility of their product. For this reason, pottery is not an art.Which of the following, is an assumption that supports drawing the conclusion above from the reason given for that conclusion?
Answer(s): E
The best answer is E. The argument concludes that pottery is not an art because potters must consider the practical utility of their product. If it is true that an object is not a work of art if its maker pays attention to the objects practical utility, the conclusion is supported.
Activity levels of the green iguana vary in cycles that are repeated every 24 hours. It is logical to assume that alteration in the intensity of incident light is the stimulus that controls these daily biological rhythms. But there is much evidence to contradict this hypothesis.Which of the following, if known, is evidence that contradicts the hypothesis stated above?
The best answer is E. If iguanas that are exposed to light 24 hours a day display a similar pattern of activity as those exposed to natural light and dark cycles this constitutes evidence again the hypothesis that it is the alterations in light that control biological cycles.
Researchers recently discovered that lipstick can become contaminated with bacteria that causes mononucleosis. They found that contamination usually occurs after the lipstick has been used for six months. For that reason, women should dispose of any lipstick after six months of use.Which of the following, if true, would most weaken the conclusion above?
Answer(s): C
The best answer is C. According to choice C, using a contaminated lipstick does not increase the incidence of infection, so the recommendation to replace a lipstick before it becomes contaminated is greatly undermined.
Unlike the wholesale price of uncut diamonds, the wholesale price of other uncut gemstones has fallen considerably in the last year. Thus, although the retail price of jewelry made with gemstones other than diamonds has not yet fallen, it will inevitably fall.Which of the following, if true, most seriously weakens the argument above?
Answer(s): A
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