Logical Reasoning

PT125 · S4 · Q11 Australia has considerably fewer

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Australia has considerably fewer species of carnivorous mammals than any other continent does but about as many carnivorous reptile species as other continents do.

Phenomenon

Australia has considerably fewer species of carnivorous mammals than any other continent does but about as many carnivorous reptile species as other continents do.

Main Conclusion

This is probably a consequence of the unusual sparseness of Australia’s ecosystems.

Premise

To survive, carnivorous mammals must eat much more than carnivorous reptiles need to.

Intermediate Conclusion

Thus carnivorous mammals are at a disadvantage in ecosystems in which there is relatively little food.

11.

Which one of the following most accurately expresses the main conclusion of the argument?

  1. Australia has considerably fewer species

    Phenomenon

    This is the phenomenon the the argument’s main conclusion seeks to explain.

    6% picked this

  2. In ecosystems in which there

    Intermediate Conclusion

    This point is supported by evidence and also supports the main conclusion.

    10% picked this

  3. Correct

    The unusual sparseness of Australia's

    Why this is right

    This best paraphrases the argument’s main point.

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

    68% picked this

  4. The reason that carnivorous mammals

    Premise

    This is a premise of the intermediate argument.

    4% picked this

  5. Because Australia's ecosystems are unusually

    Reversal

    This reverses the relationship between the intermediate conclusion and the main conclusion.

    11% picked this

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