#13 - Concept Reference, Must Be True

[dlehr99]

Could someone confirm that the textual support for credited answer (B) comes from lines 4-6? I see how this makes sense for the most part.

I chose answer (E), and I'm not certain why its wrong however. My reasoning was that the same function of kin recognition is achieved through various mechanisms by different species.

Function: Kin Recognition
Mechanism1: Tadpoles nip, releasing siblings unharmed.
Mechanism2: Tiger Salamanders simply avoid eating kin to promote their own survival.

Is it that the two mechanisms I've described are the same?

[KelseyWoods]

Hi Dlehr99!

Yes, you are correct. Answer choice (B) is supported by lines 4-6.

Answer choice (E) is incorrect because we don't actually know much about the mechanisms of kin recognition. The examples you give are both examples used to illustrate theories about why organisms might need kin recognition. But we don't actually get examples of the mechanisms that allow the organisms to recognize their kin. We know that tadpoles nip at each other, but only eat their siblings. But how do they know which ones are their siblings? We know that tiger salamanders avoid eating their kin to promote their own survival. But how to they recognize their kin?

Definitely a tricky question! But there's a difference between the mechanisms of kin recognition and the theories about why mechanisms of kin recognition exist.

Hope this helps!

Best,
Kelsey

[dlehr99]

That makes a lot of sense, thanks for clarifying that distinguishing point!

[PresidentLSAT]

Hi,

Is D wrong because we have an explanation of their purpose which is the preservation of their genetic makeup?

[Robert Carroll]

PresidentLSAT,

Answer choice (D) is incorrect because the author never claims that the detailed workings have to be better understood in order to explain their purposes. The author may think that, or may not - it's not mentioned. This is a Must Be True question, and there is no way to know the author's opinion about this statement, so it's an incorrect answer.

Robert Carroll