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- Tue Jun 27, 2017 6:28 pm
#36463
Complete Question Explanation
(See the complete passage discussion here: lsat/viewtopic.php?t=14508)
The correct answer choice is (A)
You are asked to identify the obstacle that was removed that allowed scientists to identify the origins
of the lichen-forming fungi. Even though the passage was not particularly helpful in explaining
the details, you do know that previously it was diffi cult to separate fungi from host DNA, and new
methods allowed separation and subsequent DNA analysis. That means that the issue of separating
DNA was the obstacle.
Answer choice (A): This is the correct answer choice. Lines 15-19 support the idea that, in
general, it was diffi cult to differentiate fungal DNA from that of associated organisms, and lines
32-38 state that new procedures helped to isolate the DNA of fungi in parasitic or symbiotic
relationships.
Answer choice (B): Actually, the passage specifi cally suggests that the fungus and the alga are
diffi cult to distinguish (lines 20-30).
Answer choice (C): The passage suggests that scientists had been unsure about where to place
lichen-forming fungi on the “family tree,” not that an incorrect placement had led to mistaken
“separate grouping.”
Answer choice (D): The phrase “less common” is the problem in this answer choice because the
passage never states that the rate of occurrence of lichen-forming fungi is an issue. You should
not conclude that since the passage refers to “common” fungi, lichens are “less common,” or are
extremely rare. Do not assume that groups are in opposition unless the passage very specifi cally
states or implies an opposition.
Answer choice (E): The phrase “more complex” is the problem in this answer choice because the
passage never discussed the genetic complexity of various fungi. You should not conclude that, since
varieties lichen-forming fungi belong to fi ve branches of the “family tree” of fungi, lichen-forming
fungi are genetically more complex. The passage gives no idea of the number of branches in the
“family tree,” so it is very possible that fi ve branches do not represent very much variety, relatively.
(See the complete passage discussion here: lsat/viewtopic.php?t=14508)
The correct answer choice is (A)
You are asked to identify the obstacle that was removed that allowed scientists to identify the origins
of the lichen-forming fungi. Even though the passage was not particularly helpful in explaining
the details, you do know that previously it was diffi cult to separate fungi from host DNA, and new
methods allowed separation and subsequent DNA analysis. That means that the issue of separating
DNA was the obstacle.
Answer choice (A): This is the correct answer choice. Lines 15-19 support the idea that, in
general, it was diffi cult to differentiate fungal DNA from that of associated organisms, and lines
32-38 state that new procedures helped to isolate the DNA of fungi in parasitic or symbiotic
relationships.
Answer choice (B): Actually, the passage specifi cally suggests that the fungus and the alga are
diffi cult to distinguish (lines 20-30).
Answer choice (C): The passage suggests that scientists had been unsure about where to place
lichen-forming fungi on the “family tree,” not that an incorrect placement had led to mistaken
“separate grouping.”
Answer choice (D): The phrase “less common” is the problem in this answer choice because the
passage never states that the rate of occurrence of lichen-forming fungi is an issue. You should
not conclude that since the passage refers to “common” fungi, lichens are “less common,” or are
extremely rare. Do not assume that groups are in opposition unless the passage very specifi cally
states or implies an opposition.
Answer choice (E): The phrase “more complex” is the problem in this answer choice because the
passage never discussed the genetic complexity of various fungi. You should not conclude that, since
varieties lichen-forming fungi belong to fi ve branches of the “family tree” of fungi, lichen-forming
fungi are genetically more complex. The passage gives no idea of the number of branches in the
“family tree,” so it is very possible that fi ve branches do not represent very much variety, relatively.