LSAT Explanation PT 25, S2, Q11: A Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) is

LSAT Question Stem

The situation described above most closely conforms to which one of the following principles? 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Principle question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is D. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

First, let's analyze the argument in the passage. The passage describes a situation where a Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) allows developers to use land inhabited by endangered species in exchange for a promise to preserve critical habitat or provide replacement land nearby. This results in some loss of endangered species, but also provides protection for the remaining animals. Environmentalists are pleased with HCPs because they can win concessions from developers, who might otherwise ignore environmental laws. Property owners also prefer HCPs because they are less restrictive than other prohibitions of land use. The argument presents a situation where both developers and environmentalists have their interests considered, even though no one party gets everything they want. There is no clear conclusion in this argument, as it merely describes a situation.

An "Evaluate" question for this argument could be, "Do Habitat Conservation Plans effectively balance the interests of developers and environmentalists while still protecting endangered species?"

Now, let's discuss the question type and answer choices. The question type is Principle, which asks us to identify the principle that most closely conforms to the situation described in the passage.

a) This answer choice suggests that environmentalists should compromise with developers to avoid legal battles. While there is a sense of compromise in the passage, it does not focus on avoiding legal battles, and it doesn't imply that only environmentalists should compromise.

b) This choice implies that developers should only adhere to environmental laws that are not overburdensome. The passage does not discuss the burden of environmental laws or whether developers should selectively adhere to them.

c) This choice states that laws should not be designed to serve the interests of all parties, as they may be too weak to serve anyone's interests well. This contradicts the passage, which describes a situation where both parties' interests are considered and somewhat served.

d) Correct answer. This choice states that laws should be fashioned in such a way as to reconcile the interests of developers and environmentalists. This closely aligns with the situation described in the passage, where both parties find some satisfaction in the HCPs.

e) This choice suggests that the most effective means of preserving endangered species is to refrain from alienating property owners. While the passage does mention that property owners prefer HCPs, it does not discuss the effectiveness of preserving endangered species in relation to property owners' preferences.

In summary, answer choice D is the correct answer because it best reflects the situation described in the passage, where the interests of developers and environmentalists are reconciled through the use of Habitat Conservation Plans.