Logical ReasoningDifficulty: Easy

PT117 S2 Q10 Explanation

Before their larvae hatch, each

A free, expert breakdown of this official LSAT Logical Reasoning question.

TopicsParadox

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Stimulus

Before their larvae hatch, each parental pair of Nicrophorus beetles buries the carcass of a small vertebrate nearby. For several days after the larvae hatch, both beetles feed their voracious larvae from the carcass, which is entirely consumed within a week. Since both parents help with feeding, larvae should benefit from both larvae that grow both larger and heavier than they otherwise would be.

What this question is testing

Paradox

Your task

Break the argument into its conclusion and evidence, then do exactly what the question stem asks with that structure.

Common trap

Answers that sound relevant to the topic but don't connect to the argument's actual reasoning.

Winning move

Predict what a right answer must do, then test each choice against the conclusion-evidence gap.

Reading along? Open the full official question in LawHub — we show a fragment here and keep the reasoning in our own words.

The question
10.

Which one of the following, if true, best helps to explain why removing one parent resulted in

Answer choices

  1. Trap0% picked this

    Two beetles can find and bury a larger carcass than can

  2. Correct92% picked this

    Both parents use the carcass as their own food supply for as long as they

    Why this is right

    Answer B is correct.

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

  3. Trap5% picked this

    Beetle parents usually take turns feeding their larvae, so that there is always one provider available

  4. Trap3% picked this

    After a week, the larvae are capable of finding other sources of food

  5. Trap1% picked this

    Two parents can defend the carcass from attack by other insects better than a

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