LSAT Explanation PT 22, S2, Q15: For the condor to survive in

LSAT Question Stem

Which one of the following is most strongly supported by the information above? 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Most Strongly supported question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is D. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

This is a Most Strongly Supported question, which means we are looking for an answer choice that can be inferred from the information provided in the passage.

Let's first break down the passage and simplify it. The passage states that for condors to survive in the wild, their breeding population must be increased. However, because a breeding pair can only produce a few eggs in their lifetime, a significant increase in the number of birds depends on most of these eggs hatching. Unfortunately, this is unlikely in the wild due to environmental dangers. One possible solution is to breed the birds in captivity and then release them back into the wild.

Now let's analyze the passage using conditional reasoning:

1. Condors survive -> breeding population increased (C -> B)

2. Breeding population increased -> most eggs must hatch (B -> H)

Combining these statements, we get:

Condors survive -> most eggs must hatch (C -> H)

In plain English, if the condor is going to survive in the wild, most of its eggs must hatch.

Now let's go through the answer choices:

a) The condor as a species will eventually become extinct in the wild.

- This answer choice assumes that most eggs will not hatch, but the passage does not provide information about the likelihood of eggs hatching. This choice is not supported by the passage.

b) The best way to save the condor from extinction is to breed it in captivity.

- The passage mentions breeding in captivity as "one possible way" to eliminate the effects of environmental factors, but it does not claim that it is the best way. This choice is not supported by the passage.

c) It is almost impossible to eliminate all the environmental threats to the eggs of condors.

- The passage discusses reducing the effects of environmental factors, but it does not say that it is almost impossible to eliminate all threats. This choice is not supported by the passage.

d) If more condor eggs do not hatch, the condor as a species will not survive in the wild.

- This answer choice is consistent with the conditional reasoning we derived from the passage (C -> H). If most eggs do not hatch (not H), then the condor as a species will not survive in the wild (not C). This is the correct answer choice.

e) The most feasible way to save the condor from extinction is to increase egg production.

- The passage does not discuss feasibility or egg production. It talks about getting more eggs to hatch, which is different from egg production. This choice is not supported by the passage.

In conclusion, the correct answer choice is (d) because it is most strongly supported by the information provided in the passage.