LSAT Explanation PT 35, S1, Q19: Lathyrism, a debilitating neurological disorder caused

LSAT Question Stem

Which one of the following is most strongly supported by the information above? 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Most Strongly supported question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is C. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

First, let's break down the passage. Lathyrism is a neurological disorder caused by consuming Lathyrus sativus, a type of legume. This disorder is widespread among domestic animals in some countries, but attempts to study lathyrism in rats have failed because rats do not produce the symptoms of the disorder when they ingest Lathyrus sativus.

The question type is a Most Strongly Supported (MSS) question, which is similar to a Must Be True question. Our task is to find the answer choice that is most strongly supported by the information in the passage.

Now, let's analyze the answer choices:

a) The physiology of rats is radically different from that of domestic animals.

- This answer choice goes beyond the information provided in the passage. While there may be some differences in physiology that contribute to rats not exhibiting symptoms, the passage does not say that the physiology of rats is "radically different" from that of domestic animals.

b) The rats did not consume as much Lathyrus sativus as did the domestic animals that contracted lathyrism.

- This answer choice adds new information not mentioned in the passage. The passage only tells us that rats did not produce symptoms after ingesting Lathyrus sativus, but it does not mention the amount consumed by rats compared to domestic animals.

c) Not all animal species are equally susceptible to lathyrism.

- This answer choice is correct. The passage tells us that domestic animals are susceptible to lathyrism, but rats do not produce symptoms when they ingest Lathyrus sativus. This information supports the idea that not all animal species are equally susceptible to lathyrism.

d) Most of the animals that can contract lathyrism are domestic.

- This answer choice cannot be proven based on the passage. We know that lathyrism is widespread among domestic animals in some countries and that rats do not produce symptoms, but we do not have enough information to determine if "most" animals that can contract lathyrism are domestic.

e) Laboratory conditions are not conducive to the development of lathyrism.

- This answer choice is not supported by the passage. While it is true that rats did not produce symptoms in the laboratory setting, we do not have enough information to conclude that laboratory conditions are the reason for this.

In conclusion, the correct answer is C, as it is the most strongly supported by the information provided in the passage.