Nutritionist: Because humans have evolved very little since the develo

OFFICIAL EXPLANATION

The correct answer choice is (D)

The nutritionist’s argument can be deconstructed as follows:

Premise: Humans have evolved very little since the development of agriculture.

Sub-conclusion/Premise: It is clear that humans are still biologically adapted to a diet of wild foods, consisting mainly of raw fruits and vegetables, nuts and seeds, lean meat, and seafood.

Premise: Straying from this diet has often resulted in chronic illness and other physical problems.

Conclusion: Thus, the more our diet consists of wild foods, the healthier we will be. The statement referenced in the question stem is a sub-conclusion.

Answer choice (D), the correct answer, describes this role using the phrase “intermediate conclusion.” This is a great example of a question that allows you to accelerate: if you take the correct steps (fulfill the Primary Objectives) when analyzing the argument, you already know the correct answer and you simply need to scan the answer choices quickly for a match.

Answer choice (A): This is a Half Right, Half Wrong answer. The statement is a conclusion, but the only support offered for this conclusion is that humans have evolved very little since the development of agriculture. Since this fact contradicts what is stated in the answer choice, the answer choice is incorrect.

Answer choice (B): Since we know the statement is a sub-conclusion, there is justification provided and this answer choice is incorrect. Note that describing the statement as a premise is also accurate, since a sub-conclusion is a conclusion for one argument and a premise for another argument.

Answer choice (C): The main conclusion does not explain the statement referenced in the question stem, so this answer choice is incorrect. The answer would be much improved if it said: “It is a phenomenon that helps explain the main conclusion of the nutritionist’s argument.”

Answer choice (D): This is the correct answer, and the answer you should have been looking for after you analyzed the argument and read the question stem.

Answer choice (E): This is a Reverse answer. The claim that humans have evolved very little since the development of agriculture is a premise offered in support of the statement referenced in the question stem.