LSAT Explanation PT 32, S1, Q2: Leatherbacks, the largest of the sea

LSAT Question Stem

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

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Paradox question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is C. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

Let's first analyze the passage and summarize its main points. The passage tells us that leatherbacks, the largest sea turtles, are susceptible to many fatal diseases in captivity that they wouldn't encounter in the wild. However, the likelihood of a leatherback reaching its theoretical maximum life expectancy is about the same in both captivity and the wild. This creates an apparent discrepancy that needs to be resolved.

The question type for this problem is Paradox, which means we need to find the answer choice that helps resolve the discrepancy presented in the passage.

Now, let's go through each answer choice:

a) Fewer diseases attack leatherbacks than attack other large aquatic reptiles.

This answer choice doesn't help resolve the discrepancy because it only compares leatherbacks to other aquatic reptiles. We need to find a difference between captive and wild leatherbacks, not a comparison to other species.

b) The average life expectancy of sea turtles in general is longer than that of almost all other marine animals.

This answer choice also doesn't resolve the discrepancy because it doesn't explain the difference between captive and wild leatherbacks. It simply states that sea turtles have a long life expectancy compared to other marine animals, but it doesn't address why captivity doesn't negatively affect their life expectancy.

c) Most leatherbacks that perish in the wild are killed by predators.

This answer choice helps resolve the discrepancy because it presents a negative aspect of living in the wild: being killed by predators. So, while leatherbacks in captivity are exposed to fatal diseases, they are also protected from predators. This evens out the likelihood of reaching their maximum life expectancy between captivity and the wild.

d) Few zoologists have sufficient knowledge to establish an artificial environment that is conducive to the well-being of captive leatherbacks.

This answer choice doesn't resolve the discrepancy because it presents a negative aspect of living in captivity. We need to find an answer choice that either presents a positive aspect of captivity or a negative aspect of living in the wild.

e) The size of a leatherback is an untrustworthy indicator of its age.

This answer choice is irrelevant because the passage doesn't mention using the size of the leatherback to determine its age. It doesn't help resolve the discrepancy between captive and wild leatherbacks.

Therefore, the correct answer is C. Most leatherbacks that perish in the wild are killed by predators. This helps resolve the discrepancy by presenting a negative aspect of living in the wild that balances out the negative aspects of captivity.