LSAT Explanation PT 19, S2, Q8: Ornithologist: The curvature of the claws

LSAT Question Stem

In responding to the ornithologist's hypothesis that Archeopteryx was tree-dwelling, the paleontologist 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Method of Reasoning question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is C. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

The LSAT problem presents an argument between an ornithologist and a paleontologist about whether Archeopteryx, the earliest known birdlike creature, was a tree-dwelling creature. The question type is Method of Reasoning (MOR), and it asks us to identify how the paleontologist responds to the ornithologist's hypothesis.

First, let's break down the argument:

1. Ornithologist (Premise): The curvature of the claws of modern tree-dwelling birds enables them to perch in trees.

2. Ornithologist (Premise): The claws of Archeopteryx show similar curvature.

3. Ornithologist (Conclusion): Therefore, Archeopteryx was probably a tree-dwelling creature.

4. Paleontologist (Counter-argument): Chickens can perch in trees, but they are primarily ground-dwelling.

Now, let's analyze the answer choices:

a) The paleontologist does not question the qualifications of the ornithologist to evaluate the evidence. They only provide a counter-example to challenge the conclusion. So, this answer choice is incorrect.

b) The paleontologist does not deny the truth of the claims made by the ornithologist in support of the hypothesis. They accept that Archeopteryx could perch in trees but argue that this is not sufficient evidence to conclude that it was tree-dwelling. Thus, this answer choice is incorrect.

c) The paleontologist uses a parallel case (chickens) to illustrate a weakness in the ornithologist's argument. They show that the ability to perch in trees does not necessarily mean a creature is tree-dwelling since chickens can perch in trees but are primarily ground-dwelling. This answer choice is correct.

d) The paleontologist does not show that the hypothesis contradicts one of the pieces of evidence used to support it. They only provide a counter-example (chickens) to challenge the conclusion. So, this answer choice is incorrect.

e) The paleontologist does not provide additional evidence to support the ornithologist's argument. Instead, they offer evidence (chickens) that attacks the ornithologist's conclusion. Therefore, this answer choice is incorrect.

In conclusion, the correct answer choice is (c) because the paleontologist uses a parallel case (chickens) to illustrate a weakness in the ornithologist's argument. They show that the ability to perch in trees does not necessarily mean a creature is tree-dwelling.