#18 - A seriously maladaptive trait is unlikely to persist

[Administrator]

Complete Question Explanation

Method of Reasoning—AP. The correct answer choice is (C)

In this case, the conclusion is presented at the beginning of the stimulus: a seriously maladaptive trait is not likely to last long in a given population. The author’s argumentation is as follows:

• Premise: Genetic variation means that some members will lack the given trait.
  
  Premise: Those who lack the trait will be better able to compete.
  
  Premise: Those better competitors will survive and reproduce at a higher rate, crowding out those with the maladaptive trait.
  
  Conclusion: A seriously maladaptive trait is unlikely to persist in a population for long.

The question asks for the role played by the proposition that those without the trait will be better able to compete. This is a premise in support of the ultimate conclusion that a maladaptive trait won’t likely last long in a given animal population. Answer choice (C) correctly indicates that this claim is a premise.

Answer choices (A) and (D) are clearly incorrect, because that proposition is provided in support of the conclusion. Answer choice (B) is incorrect, because the conclusion is that “A seriously maladaptive trait is unlikely to persist in a given animal population for long.” Answer choice (E) is incorrect, because the referenced proposition is a premise, supporting the intermediate conclusion that the better competitors “will survive and reproduce at a higher rate, crowding out those with the maladaptive trait.”

[brownee]

I understand how and why the answer is 'C.' I am wondering what the last sentence of the stimulus would be categorized as though. Would it be a intermediate conclusion?

[Steve Stein]

Hi brownee,

Good question--you got it; that last sentence would be a subsidiary conclusion that supports the main conclusion, presented at the beginning of the passage.

I hope that's helpful!

~Steve

[AnnBar]

Hi there,

I just wanted to see if there were any tips or tricks on how to proceed if we are stuck between trying to figure out

1. if what we think to be the conclusion actually is the main conclusion?
2. to identify if there is an intermediate conclusion?

Thank you,
AB

[Steven Palmer]

Hi Ann,

Generally, to figure out if a conclusion is the main conclusion or an intermediate conclusion, ask yourself, "does this sentence help out or support any other sentence in the stimulus, or does it only get support?" If it does nothing but get support, it's the main conclusion. If it gives support at all, it is likely a premise or sub-conclusion.

In the example at hand, the first premise lends support to the second, which helps the third, and that supports the conclusion. The conclusion only gets held up, it does not hold up anything else.

Hope this helps!
Steven