LSAT Explanation PT 44, S2, Q10: Before their larvae hatch, each parental

LSAT Question Stem

Which one of the following, if true, best helps to explain why removing one parent resulted in larger, heavier larvae? 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Paradox question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is B. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

The question type for this problem is Paradox, which means we need to find an answer that helps explain the apparent contradiction in the passage.

The passage tells us that Nicrophorus beetles bury a carcass to feed their larvae, and both parents help with feeding. We would expect that larvae benefit from the presence of both parents. However, the passage also states that if one parent is removed before the larvae hatch, the larvae grow larger and heavier than they would with both parents present. This is the paradox we need to resolve.

Let's think about why the larvae might grow larger with only one parent present before we analyze the answer choices. One possibility could be that with only one parent, there is more food available for the larvae.

Now let's examine each answer choice:

a) Two beetles can find and bury a larger carcass than can a single beetle.

- This answer choice actually deepens the paradox, as it suggests that the larvae should benefit more from having two parents present. Thus, it doesn't help explain the paradox.

b) Both parents use the carcass as their own food supply for as long as they stay with the larvae.

- This is the correct answer choice. If both parents are consuming the food supply, then the absence of one parent would mean more food is available for the larvae, which could explain why they grow larger and heavier.

c) Beetle parents usually take turns feeding their larvae, so that there is always one provider available and one at rest.

- This answer choice also deepens the paradox, as it suggests that the larvae should benefit more from having two parents present. It doesn't help explain the paradox.

d) After a week, the larvae are capable of finding other sources of food and feeding themselves.

- This answer choice is irrelevant to the paradox, as it discusses events after the first week, while the passage focuses on the first week of the larvae's life. It doesn't help explain the paradox.

e) Two parents can defend the carcass from attack by other insects better than a single parent can.

- This answer choice also deepens the paradox, as it suggests that the larvae should benefit more from having two parents present. It doesn't help explain the paradox.

In conclusion, the correct answer choice is (B), as it helps explain why removing one parent results in larger, heavier larvae: both parents would normally consume the food supply, so the absence of one parent means more food is available for the larvae.