#9 - Must Be True

[Administrator]

Complete Question Explanation
(See the complete passage discussion here: lsat/viewtopic.php?t=10960)

The correct answer choice is (A)

Based on the discussion of passage Differences above, we can create a general prephrase to answer this question: The main difference between the two passages is that, while Passage A focuses exclusively on honeybee communication, Passage B has a broader scope. This prephrase agrees with answer choice (A), which is correct.

Answer choice (A): This is the correct answer choice. See discussion above.

Answer choice (B): This answer choice is incorrect, because both authors discuss studies conducted on animal communication. Given that the studies amount to “evidence” adduced by scientists in support of their claims, it is incorrect to suggest that Passage B does not discuss such evidence.

Answer choice (C): Passage B is not entirely about recent theories of animal communication, because its author mentions von Frisch, Wenner, and Gould, all of whom are part of the historic development of theories of honeybee communication (as discussed in Passage A).

Answer choice (D): Neither author is concerned with explaining the distinction between symbolic and nonsymbolic animal communication, and only Passage B alludes to such a difference in the first paragraph (lines 35-38).

Answer choice (E): Passage B might have a broader scope than Passage A; however, the author of Passage B does not seek to gain insight into human communication. This is entirely outside the scope of Passage B.

[15veries]

Hi,

So I did choose (A), but wonder what "other forms" are in (A)...
I actually thought passage A also talk about "other forms" (smell etc) so at first I kind of hesitated to choose this answer choice.
Can I just make sure what "other forms" refer to?

Thanks

[Kristina Moen]

Hello 15veries,

Here, "other forms of animal communication" is in contrast to "honeybee communication." Thus, "other forms" is referring to other animals besides the honeybees.

Passage A talks about various types of communication (smell, hearing, dance, etc.) but it focuses exclusively on the honeybee. It answers the question "How do honeybees communicate?"

Passage B uses honeybees as an example of how animals communicate symbolically. It also uses vervet monkeys as an example of how animals communicate symbolically. It answers the question "How do animals communicate symbolically?"

This approach will help with Question 12 as well.

[KLSATForum]

Hello,

I can understand why Answer Choice (A) is correct, but can't completely understand why Answer Choice (B) is incorrect. It seems in the second part of the answer it refers to paragraph two of Passage B which restates some of the claims of Passage A without the evidence. Can someone please explain? Thanks!

[Amber Thomas]

Hi KLSATForum!

Answer Choice B states: "Passage A discusses evidence adduced by scientists in support of certain claims, whereas passage B merely presents some of those claims without discussing the support that has been adduced for them."

Passage B actually does discuss/cite some evidence regarding honeybees and their mechanisms of communication. In the last paragraph, the author describes a study conducted using flowers placed on a boat in the middle of a lake, and how honeybees responded to that information. This is specific evidence being cited, thereby ruling out Answer Choice B.

I hope this helps!