The earliest known evidence of seafaring by human ancestors dates to a

Question

The earliest known evidence of seafaring by human ancestors dates to approximately 130,000 years ago. However, in 2010, archaeologists discovered stone tools on the coast of a Mediterranean island that date to the Paleolithic Age (about 2.6 million years ago). Because the Mediterranean Sea, which is more than 40 miles of open water, separates the island from Greece, the archaeologists theorized that some human ancestors developed nautical skills millions of years earlier than previously discovered.

In the table below, identify which statement, if true, most strengthens the argument above, and which statement, if true, most seriously weakens the argument above.

Sr1994 · Accepted Answer

Conclusion: some human ancestors developed nautical skills millions of years earlier than previously discovered.

1.  
 In the same area of the island, archaeologists discovered pieces of ancient harpoons and spears used for fishing. 
This statement neither strengthens nor weakens the conclusion.

2. 
 The stone tools resemble those made and used by Homo erectus and Homo heidelbergensis, human ancestors in the Paleolithic Era who lived on the mainland of Greece. 
This strengthens the conclusion. If the tools resemble the tools found in mainland of Greece, then there is a chance that the people who lived on the mainland travelled across the ocean. Of all the options mentioned, this is the only option that can help us make some connection that people travelled across the ocean.

Strengthens

3. 
 The stone tools were probably used primarily for skinning animals. 
For what purpose the tool was used for is not going to help us strengthen or weaken the conclusion.

4. 
 It would be impossible to construct a seaworthy boat solely from the tools discovered by the archaeologists. 
This option also does not help us strengthen or weaken the conclusion. Just like option 3, for what purpose the tool was used for is not going to help us.

5. 
 The Mediterranean Sea dried up approximately 5 million years ago and remained that way for 3 million years. 
If this statement is true, then it is possible that the people who lived across the ocean came to the coast of a Mediterranean island on foot, not by boat. Hence we can weaken the conclusion that nautical skills were not used.

Weaken

6. 
 The stone tools were likely used for purposes other than construction of boats or rafts. 
This statement does not help us strengthen or weaken the conclusion. 
Like options 3 & 4, it is not in our interest to know the use of the tools.

Answer
Option 2: Strengthen
Option 5: Weaken

Sajjad1994 · Answer

Competition mode is off now.

OA is:

Strengthen:  The stone tools resemble those made and used by Homo erectus and Homo heidelbergensis, human ancestors in the Paleolithic Era who lived on the mainland of Greece.

Weaken:  The Mediterranean Sea dried up approximately 5 million years ago and remained that way for 3 million years.

nova_jones · Answer

Strengthen: In the same area of the island, archaeologists discovered pieces of ancient harpoons and spears used for fishing.

Weaken: The stone tools were likely used for purposes other than construction of boats or rafts.

bumpbot · Answer

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The earliest known evidence of seafaring by human ancestors dates to a

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Strengthen	Weaken	Statements
		In the same area of the island, archaeologists discovered pieces of ancient harpoons and spears used for fishing.
		The stone tools resemble those made and used by Homo erectus and Homo heidelbergensis, human ancestors in the Paleolithic Era who lived on the mainland of Greece.
		The stone tools were probably used primarily for skinning animals.
		It would be impossible to construct a seaworthy boat solely from the tools discovered by the archaeologists.
		The Mediterranean Sea dried up approximately 5 million years ago and remained that way for 3 million years.
		The stone tools were likely used for purposes other than construction of boats or rafts.

GMAT Two-part Analysis (TPA) Questions

The earliest known evidence of seafaring by human ancestors dates to a

Prep Toolkit

615 to 715 in 15 Days (Ria's Strategies)

More than Quant/Verbal Abilities: Speed vs. Accuracy

745 with Only Self-Prep and GMAT Club

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Perfect 805 Score Debrief by Julia

My Rewards