LSAT Explanation PT 37, S2, Q23: Roxanne: To protect declining elephant herds

LSAT Question Stem

A point on which Roxanne's and Salvador's views differ is whether 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Disagree question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is B. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

In this passage, we have two speakers, Roxanne and Salvador, discussing the issue of buying ivory and its effects on endangered elephant herds. Roxanne argues that people should only buy antique ivory (at least 75 years old) because the markets for new and antique ivory are independent, and purchasing antique ivory does not incentivize poachers to obtain more new ivory. Salvador counters that the demand for antique ivory exceeds the supply, causing people who prefer antique ivory to buy new ivory instead, thus increasing the demand for new ivory and encouraging poaching. The question type for this problem is Point at Issue, which asks us to identify a point on which Roxanne's and Salvador's views differ.

Let's analyze each answer choice:

a) There are substances that can serve as satisfactory substitutes for ivory in its current uses.

- Neither Roxanne nor Salvador discuss substitutes for ivory, so this answer choice is incorrect.

b) Decreased demand for antique ivory would cause a decrease in demand for new ivory.

- Roxanne believes that the markets for new and antique ivory are independent, so she would likely disagree with this statement. Salvador, however, argues that the demand for antique ivory affects the demand for new ivory. Since one speaker agrees and the other disagrees, this is the correct answer choice.

c) People should take steps to avert a threat to the continued existence of elephant herds.

- Both Roxanne and Salvador seem concerned about the well-being of elephant herds and would likely agree with this statement, so this answer choice is incorrect.

d) A widespread refusal to buy new ivory will have a substantial effect on the survival of elephants.

- Neither Roxanne nor Salvador specifically address the impact of a widespread refusal to buy new ivory on elephant survival, so this answer choice is incorrect.

e) People concerned about endangered species should refuse to buy ivory objects that are less than 75 years old.

- Both Roxanne and Salvador would likely agree with this statement, as neither of them endorse the purchasing of new ivory. Thus, this answer choice is incorrect.

In conclusion, the correct answer is (b), as Roxanne and Salvador differ on whether decreased demand for antique ivory would cause a decrease in demand for new ivory.