LSAT Explanation PT 34, S3, Q13: Though many insects die soon after

LSAT Question Stem

Which one of the following can be properly inferred from the information above? 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Must Be True question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is D. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

First, let's analyze the passage. The passage discusses insects that die soon after reproducing for the first time and those that live for years after the survival of the next generation has been secured. It gives bees as an example of insects that live longer and work for the benefit of the ecosystem.

Now, let's move on to the question. This is a Must Be True (MBT) question, which means we need to find the answer choice that can be properly inferred from the information provided in the passage.

Let's go through the answer choices:

a) Survival of the species, rather than of the individual, is the goal of most insect populations.

- The passage doesn't provide enough information to support this claim. It only discusses some insects that live longer after reproducing, but it doesn't explicitly state that the goal of most insect populations is the survival of the species.

b) Insects that do not play a vital role in the ecosystem are more likely to die after reproducing for the first time.

- The passage doesn't provide enough information to support this claim either. It only mentions that some insects like bees live longer and work for the benefit of the ecosystem, but it doesn't compare them to insects that don't play a vital role in the ecosystem.

c) Most bees live well beyond the onset of the generation that follows them.

- This answer choice is incorrect because it uses the word "most," which is not supported by the passage. The passage only states that "some" insects, including bees, live for years after the survival of the next generation has been secured. We cannot infer that most bees live beyond the onset of the next generation.

d) Those bees that reproduce do not always die soon after reproducing for the first time.

- This is the correct answer. The passage states that some insects, like bees, live for years after the survival of the next generation has been secured. This means that at least some bees that reproduce do not die soon after reproducing for the first time.

e) Most insects are hatched self-sufficient and do not need to be cared for by adult insects.

- The passage doesn't provide any information about whether or not most insects are self-sufficient or need care from adult insects. This answer choice is not supported by the passage.

In summary, the correct answer is (d) because it is the only statement that can be properly inferred from the information provided in the passage.