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- Sat Jun 03, 2017 1:43 pm
#35682
Complete Question Explanation
(See the complete passage discussion here: lsat/viewtopic.php?t=14347)
The correct answer choice is (D)
The author characterized as “remarkable” the correlation between the ages of the earth’s
magnetic reversals and the striping pattern of the ocean floor. To understand why this correlation
is remarkable, recall the function of the third paragraph—to support the theory of ocean floor
spreading. Once again, it is crucial to possess a solid grasp of the structure of the passage and the
arguments in it. Also note that the information needed to answer Specific Reference questions often
resides elsewhere in the passage, so do not limit your analysis to the specific textual location of the
term in question.
Answer choice (A): The rate of ocean floor spreading is a central assumption in the argument
establishing the significance of this correlation (lines 52-54), not a finding indicated by this
correlation. Furthermore, nowhere does the author characterize the rate of ocean floor spreading as
“extremely slow.” This answer choice is incorrect.
Answer choice (B): The correlation cited does not explain the existence of the global mid-ocean
ridge, which resulted from a physical process known as “ocean floor spreading.” This answer choice
is incorrect.
Answer choice (C): The passage presents no evidence suggesting that the earth’s magnetic field is
considerably stronger than previously believed. This answer choice is incorrect.
Answer choice (D): This is the correct answer choice. The primary purpose of the last paragraph is
to support the view that the process of ocean floor spreading built the mid-ocean ridge over millions
of years. The correlation cited shows that the ages of the earth’s magnetic reversals correspond to the
striping pattern on the ocean floor, which is “remarkable” in that it further substantiates the view that
periodic eruptions of magma formed the new ocean crust.
Answer choice (E): The intervals at which the earth’s magnetic reversals have occurred are
determined primarily by measuring the magnetic orientation of continental volcanic rocks (lines
45-49). Furthermore, there is no reason to suspect that these reversals have occurred at very regular
intervals—this is an exaggeration. This answer choice is incorrect.
(See the complete passage discussion here: lsat/viewtopic.php?t=14347)
The correct answer choice is (D)
The author characterized as “remarkable” the correlation between the ages of the earth’s
magnetic reversals and the striping pattern of the ocean floor. To understand why this correlation
is remarkable, recall the function of the third paragraph—to support the theory of ocean floor
spreading. Once again, it is crucial to possess a solid grasp of the structure of the passage and the
arguments in it. Also note that the information needed to answer Specific Reference questions often
resides elsewhere in the passage, so do not limit your analysis to the specific textual location of the
term in question.
Answer choice (A): The rate of ocean floor spreading is a central assumption in the argument
establishing the significance of this correlation (lines 52-54), not a finding indicated by this
correlation. Furthermore, nowhere does the author characterize the rate of ocean floor spreading as
“extremely slow.” This answer choice is incorrect.
Answer choice (B): The correlation cited does not explain the existence of the global mid-ocean
ridge, which resulted from a physical process known as “ocean floor spreading.” This answer choice
is incorrect.
Answer choice (C): The passage presents no evidence suggesting that the earth’s magnetic field is
considerably stronger than previously believed. This answer choice is incorrect.
Answer choice (D): This is the correct answer choice. The primary purpose of the last paragraph is
to support the view that the process of ocean floor spreading built the mid-ocean ridge over millions
of years. The correlation cited shows that the ages of the earth’s magnetic reversals correspond to the
striping pattern on the ocean floor, which is “remarkable” in that it further substantiates the view that
periodic eruptions of magma formed the new ocean crust.
Answer choice (E): The intervals at which the earth’s magnetic reversals have occurred are
determined primarily by measuring the magnetic orientation of continental volcanic rocks (lines
45-49). Furthermore, there is no reason to suspect that these reversals have occurred at very regular
intervals—this is an exaggeration. This answer choice is incorrect.