LSAT Explanation PT 20, S1, Q18: In recent years the climate has

LSAT Question Stem

Which one of the following, if true, most helps to resolve the apparent paradox in the information above? 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Paradox question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is C. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

First, let's analyze the passage and understand the apparent paradox. The passage tells us that in recent years, the climate in northern Asia has been generally cool. However, when the average daily temperature and humidity were slightly higher than normal, crop yields increased significantly. In the next century, these higher temperature and humidity levels are expected to become the norm, but scientists predict that yearly crop yields will decrease. The paradox here is that even though higher temperature and humidity levels have led to increased crop yields in the past, scientists predict that these same conditions will cause a decrease in crop yields in the future.

Now, let's examine the question type and what it's asking us to do. This is a Paradox question, which means we need to find the answer choice that helps to resolve the apparent paradox in the information provided.

Let's go through each answer choice:

a) This answer choice talks about crop yields in southern Asia, which is not relevant to the paradox we are trying to resolve regarding northern Asia. Thus, it does not help to resolve the paradox.

b) This answer choice suggests that increased temperature and humidity would lead to higher levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide, which is beneficial for plant respiration. This information would make the paradox even more confusing, as it suggests that crop yields should increase rather than decrease. Therefore, it does not help to resolve the paradox.

c) This answer choice introduces the idea that the cool and dry climate in northern Asia has prevented many crop insect pests from becoming established. If higher temperature and humidity levels in the future allow these pests to thrive, it could lead to a decrease in crop yields despite the initially favorable conditions for crop growth. This answer choice helps to resolve the paradox and is the correct choice.

d) This answer choice suggests that increased annual precipitation due to warmer and wetter climates would cause most edible plant species to flourish in many parts of Asia. This information does not help to resolve the paradox, as it implies that crop yields should increase rather than decrease.

e) This answer choice states that the recent climate in northern Asia prevents many crops from being farmed during the winter. However, this information does not explain why yearly crop yields would decrease in the future when temperature and humidity levels are expected to be higher. It only explains the current situation and does not help to resolve the paradox.

In conclusion, the correct answer is choice C, as it introduces the idea of crop insect pests thriving in higher temperature and humidity levels, which could lead to a decrease in crop yields despite the initially favorable conditions for crop growth. This helps to resolve the apparent paradox in the passage.