LSAT Explanation PT 31, S2, Q8: For all species of higher animals,

LSAT Question Stem

If the statements above are true, each of the following could be true EXCEPT: 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Must Be False question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is B. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

This question is an "EXCEPT" question, which means we are looking for the answer choice that cannot be true based on the information provided in the passage. Let's briefly summarize the passage: Higher animal reproduction requires egg production, but not sperm production. There are female-only species, such as a rare salamander species, where eggs hatch without fertilization. However, this results in offspring with genetic codes nearly identical to the single parent, making the species less adaptive than species with both male and female members.

Now, let's analyze the answer choices:

a) There are some species of salamanders that have both male and female members.

- This answer choice could be true. The passage only mentions a rare female-only salamander species, but it does not say that all salamander species are female-only. Therefore, there could be other salamander species with both male and female members.

b) There are some species of higher animals none of whose members produce eggs.

- This answer choice cannot be true, and it is the correct answer. The passage states that reproduction for all species of higher animals requires the production of eggs. If a species does not produce eggs, it would contradict the information provided in the passage.

c) There is a significant number of female-only species of higher animals.

- This answer choice could be true. Although the passage mentions that the female-only salamander species is rare, it does not provide information about the overall number of female-only species among higher animals. The term "significant" is vague and could refer to a relatively small number, such as 10-12 species.

d) Some species of higher animals containing both female and male members are not very adaptive.

- This answer choice could be true. The passage states that female-only species are less adaptive than species with both male and female members. However, it does not say that all species with both male and female members are highly adaptive. There could be some species with both male and female members that are still not very adaptive, just more adaptive than female-only species.

e) Some offspring of species of higher animals containing both female and male members have genetic codes more similar to one parent than to the other parent.

- This answer choice could be true. The passage does not provide information about the genetic codes of offspring within species containing both male and female members. It is possible that some offspring within these species have genetic codes more similar to one parent than the other.

In conclusion, the correct answer is B, as it is the only answer choice that cannot be true based on the information provided in the passage.