LSAT Explanation PT 29, S4, Q8: Conservationist: The population of a certain
LSAT Question Stem
Which one of the following is an assumption on which the conservationist's reasoning depends?
Logical Reasoning Question Type
This is a Necessary Assumption question.
Correct Answer
The correct answer to this question is D.
LSAT Question Complete Explanation
Let's first analyze the argument in the passage. The conservationist is concerned about the extinction of a certain wildflower due to its small population. They propose introducing a domesticated daisy into the wildflower's range to enable cross-pollination and produce wildflower-daisy hybrids. The conservationist believes that hybridization is the only way to prevent the total loss of the wildflower in its range.
In this argument, we have the following structure:
1. Premise: The wildflower's population is so small that it is headed for extinction.
2. Premise: The wildflower can cross-pollinate with a domesticated daisy, producing viable seeds and resulting in wildflower-daisy hybrids.
3. Conclusion: The daisy should be introduced into the wildflower's range to prevent the total loss of the wildflower through hybridization.
To make this more relatable, let's use a simple example. Imagine a small town with only one type of ice cream shop that's struggling to survive. However, this ice cream shop can merge with a popular chain to create a new, unique ice cream shop. The town should allow the merger to save the struggling ice cream shop.
Now, let's come up with an "Evaluate" question: "Can the wildflower-daisy hybrids reproduce?"
The question type of this problem is Necessary Assumption, and we're asked to identify an assumption on which the conservationist's reasoning depends.
Answer choice (A) isn't necessary because the argument doesn't rely on the wildflower's current reproduction method. The focus is on the future reproduction through hybridization.
Answer choice (B) is irrelevant to the argument since the origin of the domesticated daisy doesn't affect the hybridization process or the wildflower's survival.
Answer choice (C) isn't necessary because the argument's goal is to prevent the wildflower's extinction, not to expand its range.
Answer choice (D) is the correct answer. The conservationist's argument depends on the assumption that wildflower-daisy hybrids will be able to reproduce. If they can't reproduce, the hybridization process won't save the wildflower from extinction.
Answer choice (E) isn't necessary because the argument only concerns the specific domesticated daisy that can cross-pollinate with the wildflower. Other daisylike plants are not relevant to the argument.
In conclusion, the correct answer is (D), as the conservationist's reasoning depends on the assumption that wildflower-daisy hybrids will be able to reproduce.