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Scientists have discovered a new species of butterfly that lives only
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03 Apr 2022, 06:00
03 Apr 2022, 06:00
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Scientists have discovered a new species of butterfly that lives only in a small region of Central America and is active only at night. During the day, it rests in treetops, where its green color matches the foliage perfectly. Therefore, the scientists must have discovered the butterfly at night.
The argument depends on which of the following assumptions?
A) The newly discovered butterfly is not related to any other species of butterfly.
B) There is no way for the scientists to detect the butterfly during the day.
C) No other butterfly species lives in this region of Central America.
D) The foliage in the butterfly's habitat is completely green.
E) The butterfly cannot survive in areas outside of Central America.
The argument depends on which of the following assumptions?
A) The newly discovered butterfly is not related to any other species of butterfly.
B) There is no way for the scientists to detect the butterfly during the day.
C) No other butterfly species lives in this region of Central America.
D) The foliage in the butterfly's habitat is completely green.
E) The butterfly cannot survive in areas outside of Central America.
Re: Scientists have discovered a new species of butterfly that lives only
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01 May 2022, 09:15
01 May 2022, 09:15
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Bunuel wrote:
Scientists have discovered a new species of butterfly that lives only in a small region of Central America and is active only at night. During the day, it rests in treetops, where its green color matches the foliage perfectly. Therefore, the scientists must have discovered the butterfly at night.
The argument depends on which of the following assumptions?
A) The newly discovered butterfly is not related to any other species of butterfly.
B) There is no way for the scientists to detect the butterfly during the day.
C) No other butterfly species lives in this region of Central America.
D) The foliage in the butterfly's habitat is completely green.
E) The butterfly cannot survive in areas outside of Central America.
The argument depends on which of the following assumptions?
A) The newly discovered butterfly is not related to any other species of butterfly.
B) There is no way for the scientists to detect the butterfly during the day.
C) No other butterfly species lives in this region of Central America.
D) The foliage in the butterfly's habitat is completely green.
E) The butterfly cannot survive in areas outside of Central America.
OFFICIAL EXPLANATION
The correct answer is B.
The conclusion of the argument is that "the scientists must have discovered the butterfly at night." Why? Because the butterfly's color matches the green of the foliage, and the butterfly is active only at night. In order for this argument to work, one has to assume that there is no way for the scientists to detect the butterfly during the day, despite its camouflage. If there is a way for the scientists to detect the butterfly during the day, the conclusion is no longer logical.
Re: Scientists have discovered a new species of butterfly that lives only
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06 May 2022, 21:41
06 May 2022, 21:41
Bunuel wrote:
Bunuel wrote:
Scientists have discovered a new species of butterfly that lives only in a small region of Central America and is active only at night. During the day, it rests in treetops, where its green color matches the foliage perfectly. Therefore, the scientists must have discovered the butterfly at night.
The argument depends on which of the following assumptions?
A) The newly discovered butterfly is not related to any other species of butterfly.
B) There is no way for the scientists to detect the butterfly during the day.
C) No other butterfly species lives in this region of Central America.
D) The foliage in the butterfly's habitat is completely green.
E) The butterfly cannot survive in areas outside of Central America.
The argument depends on which of the following assumptions?
A) The newly discovered butterfly is not related to any other species of butterfly.
B) There is no way for the scientists to detect the butterfly during the day.
C) No other butterfly species lives in this region of Central America.
D) The foliage in the butterfly's habitat is completely green.
E) The butterfly cannot survive in areas outside of Central America.
OFFICIAL EXPLANATION
The correct answer is B.
The conclusion of the argument is that "the scientists must have discovered the butterfly at night." Why? Because the butterfly's color matches the green of the foliage, and the butterfly is active only at night. In order for this argument to work, one has to assume that there is no way for the scientists to detect the butterfly during the day, despite its camouflage. If there is a way for the scientists to detect the butterfly during the day, the conclusion is no longer logical.
Thanks for the explanation Bunuel.
Referring to option D, the fact that the foliage in the butterfly's habitat is not completely green directly contradicts the premise in the argument. With this statement added to the argument, the conclusion is no longer logical as well. However, on the GMAT, should we avoid accepting answer choices (especially in weaken/ assumption questions) that contradict a premise?
