Logical Reasoning

PT132 · S4 · Q1 Marine biologist: Scientists have long

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Marine biologist: Scientists have long wondered why the fish that live around coral reefs exhibit such brilliant colors.

Phenomenon

Scientists have long wondered why the fish that live around coral reefs exhibit such brilliant colors.

Opposing Point

One suggestion is that coral reefs are colorful and, therefore, that colorful fish are camouflaged by them.

Opposing Premise

Many animal species, after all, use camouflage to avoid predators.

Premise

Most corals, it turns out, are relatively dull browns and greens.

Intermediate Conclusion

A reef stripped of its fish is quite monochromatic.

Main Conclusion

The explanation that reefs are colorful and that’s why the fish that live around them are colorful is mistaken. rephrase: The reason that reef fish are colorful is NOT because the reefs themselves are colorful and thus provide camouflage.

1.

Which one of the following most accurately expresses the main conclusion drawn in the marine biologist's argument?

  1. One hypothesis about why fish

    Opposing Point

    This is the point the argument sets out to challenge.

    2% picked this

  2. The fact that many species

    Opposing Assumption

    This is an assumption of the opposing argument.

    1% picked this

  3. Correct

    The suggestion that the fish

    Why this is right

    This best paraphrases the marine biologist’s main point.

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

    93% picked this

  4. A reef stripped of its

    Intermediate Conclusion

    This is an intermediate conclusion, meaning that it is supported by a premise and supports the main point.

    3% picked this

  5. It turns out that the

    Premise

    This is a premise of the marine biologist’s argument.

    2% picked this

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