That mammals first came to Europe less than 15 million years ago, through what is now Egypt, into West Europe was an accepted tenet of paleontology. But paleontologists now theorize that mammals came to East Europe first, after migrating across modern-day Asia, and then spread westward, based on recent excavations of mammal remains in East Europe dating from 27 million years ago.
Which of the following, if it were discovered, would be pertinent evidence against the new theory?
Old theory : 15 million years ago- mammals came to Europe through modern day Egypt
New theory : 27 million years old excavations found in Eastern Europe proves - mammals came there first - later western Europe
To disregard the new theory : Try to find something that goes against the conclusion, i.e. can we find a piece of evidence older than 27 million years ago in the Western area? Anything that proves that the evidence found in Eastern Europe is false?
A. Signs of mammal presence 14 million years ago were found in excavations near Germany.
[Do not apply pre existing knowledge of where Germany is. Besides, this isn't weakening the present theory. We need an older proof to invalidate the new theory]
B. Some evidence of mammal occupation in West Europe areas predates any such evidence in areas in East Europe.
In line with our thoughts as explained. Correct.
Note, SOME can be anything from 1-50, hence, even if ONE evidence was found that predated the one found in East Europe, we can falsify the new theory.
C. The oldest known West Europe mammal habitat had a cooler climate than the 27-million-year-old East European site.
No impact on the conclusion.
D. The mammal habitat in East Europe that was used 27 million years ago was used continuously until 6 million years ago.
No impact on the conclusion.
E. World sea levels lowered dramatically during the first Ice Age, between 11 million and 15 million years ago.
No impact on the conclusion.