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02 Jun 2025, 22:41
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Patterns in Strengthen the Conclusion
Above is an excerpt from the chapter Strengthen the Conclusion in our book EducationAisle Critical Reasoning Nirvana:
Having covered the various patterns in our previous posts, let us see how skilled you are at applying these patterns, to the question below:
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Neanderthals are the nearest extinct family of human beings. A recent study found that Neanderthal facial features accommodated nasal passages 29 percent larger than those of humans. Archaeologists believe that this allowed a vastly better intake of oxygen and warm air.
Which of the following, if true, would be the LEAST appropriate to use as support for the conclusion drawn by the archaeologists?
(A) Neanderthals had a nomadic way of life that entailed extensive traveling.
(B) Neanderthals lived in cold environments.
(C) Neanderthals often lived at higher altitudes that often had oxygen scarcity.
(D) Neanderthals went extinct about 40,000 years ago, not long after Homo sapiens arrived on the continent from Africa.
(E) The food requirements of Neanderthals were primarily met by hunting, a physically demanding activity
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09 Jun 2025, 21:46
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As per the argument, archaeologists draw a conclusion that larger nasal passages of Neanderthals allowed a vastly better intake of oxygen and warm air. The question stem asks us to identify the answer choice that would be the LEAST appropriate to use as support for the conclusion. So, we have to identify the answer choice does NOT support this hypothesis of archaeologists.
(A) "S" (Strengthens): This option supports the hypothesis of archaeologists, since extensive traveling requirements would be physically demanding and hence, require a better intake of oxygen.
(B) "S" (Strengthens): This option supports the hypothesis of archaeologists, since living in cold environments would require a better intake of warm air.
(C) "S" (Strengthens): This option supports the hypothesis of archaeologists, since living in an environment of oxygen scarcity would require better intake of oxygen.
(D) "O" (Outside the scope): This option does NOT support the hypothesis of archaeologists, since arrival of Homo sapiens or the extinction of Neanderthals does not in any way support/strengthen/explain why Neanderthals required a vastly better intake of oxygen and warm air.
(E) "S" (Strengthens): This option supports the hypothesis of archaeologists, since a physically demanding activity such as hunting would require a better intake of oxygen.
Option (D) is the right answer, since this option is out of scope and hence, least supports the conclusion drawn by the archaeologists.
As per the argument, archaeologists draw a conclusion that larger nasal passages of Neanderthals allowed a vastly better intake of oxygen and warm air. The question stem asks us to identify the answer choice that would be the LEAST appropriate to use as support for the conclusion. So, we have to identify the answer choice does NOT support this hypothesis of archaeologists.
(A) "S" (Strengthens): This option supports the hypothesis of archaeologists, since extensive traveling requirements would be physically demanding and hence, require a better intake of oxygen.
(B) "S" (Strengthens): This option supports the hypothesis of archaeologists, since living in cold environments would require a better intake of warm air.
(C) "S" (Strengthens): This option supports the hypothesis of archaeologists, since living in an environment of oxygen scarcity would require better intake of oxygen.
(D) "O" (Outside the scope): This option does NOT support the hypothesis of archaeologists, since arrival of Homo sapiens or the extinction of Neanderthals does not in any way support/strengthen/explain why Neanderthals required a vastly better intake of oxygen and warm air.
(E) "S" (Strengthens): This option supports the hypothesis of archaeologists, since a physically demanding activity such as hunting would require a better intake of oxygen.
Option (D) is the right answer, since this option is out of scope and hence, least supports the conclusion drawn by the archaeologists.
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