Logical Reasoning

PT113 · S4 · Q11 Lydia: Red squirrels are known

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Lydia: Red squirrels are known to make holes in the bark of sugar maple trees and to consume the trees' sap.

Conclusion of Lydia's Argument

Squirrels are attracted to sugar in the sap of sugar maple trees.

Rebuttal by Galina

The sugar concentration in the sap is too low for squirrels to be attracted to it for sugar.

Evaluate

Because we're trying to counter someone's objection, we want to defend the idea that squirrels are trying to get sugar from this sap, while addressing the fact that there's so little sugar content that you'd have to drink tons of sap to get much sugar.

Goal

Given that you'd have to drink tons of sap to get much sugar, how can we still maintain that squirrels are interested in the sap for its sugar content.

11.

Which one of the following, if true, most undermines the force of Galina's attempted rebuttal of Lydia's argument?

  1. Squirrels are known to like

    No Impact

    This indicates that squirrels like foods high in sugar, but it acknowledges Galina's point about low sugar concentration and doesn't address how squirrels might still find the sap appealing.

    3% picked this

  2. Once a hole in a

    No Impact

    This comments on squirrels making additional holes, which doesn’t address Galina’s point about sugar concentration nor provide insight into the sugar’s appeal.

    3% picked this

  3. Trees other than sugar maples,

    No Impact

    This states that trees with lower sugar concentration are less tapped, implying sugar preference but not addressing the specific challenge about low sugar concentration in sugar maples.

    22% picked this

  4. Correct

    Red squirrels leave the sugar

    Why this is right

    This states squirrels allow sap to evaporate, increasing its sugar concentration. This counters Galina's argument by showing squirrels have a method for increasing sugar levels, suggesting they indeed target sugar.

    Skill tested: Weaken · how this choice captures the argument's function is the move to repeat next time.

    71% picked this

  5. During the season when sap

    No Impact

    This mentions cold weather limiting sap flow, which doesn’t connect to the argument about sugar concentration or explain why squirrels are attracted to the sap.

    1% picked this

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