LSAT 107 – Section 4 – Question 11

LSAT 107 - Section 4 - Question 11

October 1999

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Question
QuickView		 Type Tags Answer
Choices		 Curve Question
Difficulty		 Psg/Game/S
Difficulty		 Explanation
PT107 S4 Q11
+LR
Strengthen +Streng
A
3%
156
B
79%
165
C
1%
156
D
2%
161
E
16%
162
123
142
160
 +Medium 141.321 +SubsectionEasier

Sometimes when their trainer gives the hand signal for “Do something creative together,” two dolphins circle a pool in tandem and then leap through the air simultaneously. On other occasions the same signal elicits synchronized backward swims or tail-waving. These behaviors are not simply learned responses to a given stimulus. Rather, dolphins are capable of higher cognitive functions that may include the use of language and forethought.

Summarize Argument: Phenomenon-Hypothesis
The author concludes dolphins have advanced cognitive abilities, possibly including language and foresight. Why? Because two particular dolphins sometimes show different, synchronized reactions to the same hand signal by their trainer.

Notable Assumptions
The author assumes there’s no explanation for the dolphins’ behavior besides their having complex brain functions. In particular, he assumes the dolphins’ movements are original and not planned by a human in any way. To conclude dolphins can use language, the author must assume they communicate before performing their synchronized actions.

A
Mammals have some resemblance to one another with respect to bodily function and brain structure.
This is irrelevant, whether it refers to individuals or whole species. Similarity between animals does not itself account for their ability to perform synchronized actions, nor does it suggest they have complex thought processes.
B
The dolphins often exhibit complex new responses to the hand signal.
This strengthens the argument because the originality of the dolphins’ movements supports the author’s subconclusion: they aren’t just rehearsing responses to a stimulus.
C
The dolphins are given food incentives as part of their training.
This is irrelevant. It doesn’t say the dolphins are coaxed with food to perform the particular actions described, nor that a potential food reward makes their cognitive responses necessarily complex.
D
Dolphins do not interact with humans the way they interact with one another.
This doesn’t mean dolphins communicate using language or display complex thought processes. They may interact differently simply because they’re reacting to different stimuli.
E
Some of the behaviors mentioned are exhibited by dolphins in their natural habitat.
This isn’t relevant without knowing which behaviors are exhibited naturally. It doesn’t say the dolphins naturally perform synchronized reactions or respond to the same stimulus in various ways.

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LSAT PrepTest 107 Explanations

Section 1 - Logical Reasoning

Section 2 - Reading Comprehension

Section 3 - Logical Reasoning

Section 4 - Logical Reasoning

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