LSAT Explanation PT 29, S1, Q4: Cats spend much of their time

LSAT Question Stem

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

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Paradox question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is D. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

First, let's analyze the passage. The passage states that cats spend much of their time sleeping and seem to only awaken to stretch and yawn. Despite this, they have a strong, agile musculature that most animals would have to exercise strenuously to acquire. The paradox here is that cats have a strong musculature even though they spend most of their time sleeping, without doing strenuous exercise.

The question type is Paradox, and it asks us to find the answer choice that most helps to resolve this apparent paradox.

Now, let's go through each answer choice:

a) Cats have a greater physiological need for sleep than other animals.

- This answer choice explains why cats sleep more, but it doesn't address the paradox of how they maintain their strong, agile musculature despite sleeping so much.

b) Many other animals also spend much of their time sleeping yet have a strong, agile musculature.

- This answer choice only states that other animals are in the same situation as cats, but it doesn't provide an explanation for the paradox. We still don't know how these animals, including cats, maintain their musculature.

c) Cats are able to sleep in apparently uncomfortable positions.

- This answer choice doesn't address the paradox at all. It tells us something about cats' sleeping habits, but it doesn't explain how they maintain their strong musculature.

d) Cats derive ample exercise from frequent stretching.

- This answer choice helps to resolve the paradox. It explains that cats maintain their strong, agile musculature through frequent stretching, which serves as a form of exercise for them. This shows that even though cats spend much of their time sleeping, the stretching they do when they wake up helps them maintain their musculature.

e) Cats require strength and agility in order to be effective predators.

- This answer choice explains why cats need to be strong and agile, but it doesn't address the paradox of how they maintain their musculature while spending so much time sleeping.

Based on our analysis, the correct answer is D. It provides a clear explanation for the paradox by showing that cats derive ample exercise from frequent stretching, which helps them maintain their strong, agile musculature despite spending much of their time sleeping.