In primates it is the hard palate that permits breathing while eating.

Question

In primates it is the hard palate that permits breathing while eating. Clearly, breathing while eating is necessary to maintain the high rate of metabolism of primates.

The author’s assertions would be most weakened by the discovery of primate species that had a

(A) high rate of metabolism and the ability to breathe while eating

(B) low rate of metabolism and the ability to breathe while eating

(C) low rate of metabolism and no ability to breathe while eating

(D) high rate of metabolism and no hard palate

(E) low rate of metabolism and a hard palate

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unraveled · Answer

In primates it is the hard palate that permits breathing while eating. Clearly, breathing while eating is necessary to maintain the high rate of metabolism of primates.

The author’s assertions would be most weakened by the discovery of primate species that had a

(A) high rate of metabolism and the ability to breathe while eating - WRONG. Already specified in the passage.

(B)  low rate of metabolism  and the ability to breathe while eating - WRONG. Out of scope.

(C)  low rate of metabolism  and  no ability to breathe  while eating - WRONG. Totally out of context.

(D) high rate of metabolism and  no hard palate  - CORRECT. If A is not present B is not present but C is present. Necessity of B for C is invalidated.

(E)  low rate of metabolism  and a hard palate - WRONG. Not in scope.

A = hard palate
B = breathing while eating
C = high rate of metabolism

IMO Answer D.

wwcd · Answer

Hard palate ---> Breathe while eating -----> High rate of metabolism.
--------X----------------------- Y ----------------------------- Z ----------------

X causes Y. Y causes Z. The statement that will weaken this is one that breaks the chain.

X' = soft palate ; Y' = no ability to breathe while eating ; Z' = low rate of metabolism.

These will not break the chain : X causes Y' or Z'. Y causes Z'. X' causes Y' or Z'. Y' causes Z'

These will break the chain : Z caused by Y' or X'. Y caused by X'.

A : Y causes Z
B : Y causes Z'
C : Y' causes Z'
 D : X' causes Z 
E : X causes Z'

Bunuel · Answer

OFFICIAL EXPLANATION:

(Metabolism is the process by which chemical reactions in plants and animals create the energy needed by them to live. Palate is the roof of the mouth.) The author’s assertion is that breathing while eating is necessary to maintain the high rate of metabolism of primates, and that this facility is provided by the hard palate.

We have been asked to identify the choice which will most weaken this assertion.

The author’s assertion relates to primates with high rates of metabolism. So, (B), (C) and (E), all of which relate to animals with a low rate of metabolism, can straightaway be ruled out.

(A) will only conform to the general property of primates referred to by the author, and will strengthen, and not weaken his assertion.

(D) would prove that the lack of a secondary palate and the consequential incapability to breathe while eating are not necessary for a high rate of metabolism in all primates, and will therefore weaken the author’s assertion. So, (D) is the answer.

In primates it is the hard palate that permits breathing while eating.

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In primates it is the hard palate that permits breathing while eating.

Prep Toolkit

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

More than Quant/Verbal Abilities: Speed vs. Accuracy

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From 555 to 765: 210-point Improvement

Perfect 805 Score Debrief by Julia

My Rewards