LSAT Explanation PT 25, S4, Q13: Unlike other primroses, self-pollinating primroses do

LSAT Question Stem

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

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Paradox question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is B. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

Let's first analyze the passage and break it down. The passage tells us that self-pollinating primroses do not need insects for pollination. In years when insects are scarce, self-pollinating primroses produce more seeds than non-self-pollinating primroses. In other years, seed production is approximately equal. As a result, self-pollinating primroses have an advantage in higher average seed production. Despite this advantage, self-pollinating primroses remain rare among primroses.

The question type is a Paradox question, which asks us to resolve the apparent discrepancy in the information provided. In this case, the discrepancy is that self-pollinating primroses have an advantage in seed production, but they remain rare among primroses.

Now let's examine each answer choice and determine which one helps resolve this discrepancy:

a) Insects that collect pollen from primroses do not discriminate between self-pollinating primroses and non-self-pollinating primroses.

- This choice does not help explain the rarity of self-pollinating primroses since it only tells us that insects treat both types of primroses the same way.

b) When insect pollinators are scarce, non-self-pollinating primroses produce larger seeds that are more likely to germinate than are seeds from self-pollinating primroses.

- This choice provides a reason why non-self-pollinating primroses might be more prevalent despite having lower seed production in some years. The larger, more likely to germinate seeds could compensate for the lower seed production, leading to more non-self-pollinating primroses. This choice helps resolve the discrepancy and is the correct answer.

c) Self-pollinating primroses that are located in areas with few insects produce no fewer seeds than do self-pollinating primroses that are located in areas with many insects.

- This choice does not help explain the rarity of self-pollinating primroses. It only reaffirms that self-pollinating primroses can produce seeds without relying on insects.

d) Many primroses are located in areas in which the soil conditions that are optimal for seed germination are not present.

- This choice does not help explain the discrepancy because it talks about all primroses, not specifically self-pollinating primroses. It does not provide a reason for the rarity of self-pollinating primroses compared to non-self-pollinating primroses.

e) Self-pollinating primroses can be assisted by insects during pollination but do not require the assistance of insects to be pollinated.

- This choice restates information from the passage and does not help resolve the discrepancy.

In conclusion, the correct answer is B, as it provides a reason for the rarity of self-pollinating primroses despite their advantage in seed production. The larger, more likely to germinate seeds of non-self-pollinating primroses could compensate for their lower seed production in years with scarce insects, leading to their greater prevalence.