LSAT Explanation PT 36, S3, Q10: Peter: Because the leaves of mildly

LSAT Question Stem

Jennifer's comment is related to Peter's argument in which one of the following ways? 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Method of Reasoning question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is E. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

First, let's analyze the passage's argument structure. Peter's argument has the following structure:

Premise: Mildly drought-stressed plants have tougher leaves than abundantly watered plants.

Premise: Insects prefer to feed on the leaves of abundantly watered plants.

Conclusion: Farmers should water crops just enough to avoid substantial threat to growth or yield.

Jennifer's comment adds another piece of information: Mildly drought-stressed plants develop pesticidal toxins, while abundantly watered plants do not.

Now, let's understand the question type and what it's asking us to do. This is a Method of Reasoning (MOR) question, which asks us to identify how Jennifer's comment relates to Peter's argument.

Let's go through each answer choice:

a) Jennifer's comment does not support each of Peter's claims. It only provides additional information that strengthens Peter's conclusion. This answer choice is incorrect.

b) Jennifer's comment does strengthen Peter's conclusion, but it is not necessary for Peter's conclusion to be valid. Even without Jennifer's information, Peter's conclusion still stands based on his premises. This answer choice is incorrect.

c) Jennifer's comment does not offer an explanation for any of Peter's premises. It only provides additional support for Peter's conclusion. This answer choice is incorrect.

d) Jennifer's comment does not undermine Peter's conclusion. In fact, it supports the conclusion by providing more reasons for farmers to water their crops just enough to avoid substantial threat to growth or yield. This answer choice is incorrect.

e) Jennifer's comment supports Peter's conclusion by offering independent grounds for that conclusion. It provides an additional reason for farmers to water their crops just enough to avoid substantial threat to growth or yield, without depending on or contradicting any of Peter's premises. This answer choice is correct.

Therefore, the correct answer is (e): Jennifer's comment supports the conclusion of Peter's argument by offering independent grounds for that conclusion.