Bunuel wrote:
Male beavers build exquisite dams. Researchers have concluded that because various local populations of beaver erect dams that demonstrate different building styles, the beavers' building styles are not genetically passed on, but are culturally acquired traits.
If true, which of the following statements would most enhance the conclusion made by the researchers?
A Beavers are most populous in North America, where most beavers are isolated from one another.
B It is proven that chimpanzees have many gestures that are learned, rather than passed on genetically.
C There are more commonalties than there are differences among the local populations of beavers that have been studied more in-depth.
D Young male beavers only become accomplished in building dams by observing their elders constructing dams in the local beaver style.
E The beavers of one region lack added ornamentation of crab moss, and various other decorations common in most beaver dams.
OFFICIAL EXPLANATION
This is a strengthen the argument question.
Identify the argument. Because various local populations of beavers erect dams that demonstrate different building styles, the beavers' building styles are not genetically passed on, but are culturally acquired traits.
If possible, anticipate what the answer will be. In this instance, we will need to find an answer choice that will support the idea that beavers' building styles are culturally influenced.
Eliminate answer choices that do not strengthen the argument. Choices A and C seem to have nothing to do with the argument. Choice E would seem to weaken the argument, it implies that only the lack of similar supplies dictate the difference in beaver dam styles. Choice B could strengthen the argument by showing that other animals do not only learn things by passing them on genetically. However, it is
choice D that proves to be most compelling. It strengthens the argument by showing a cultural influence in beaver dam style: young male beavers ONLY become accomplished in building dams by observing their elders constructing dams in the local beaver style.