LSAT Question Stem

Jean does which one of the following in her response to Anita? 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Method of Reasoning question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is C. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

Let's first analyze the argument in the passage. Anita and Jean are discussing the decline in the spotted owl population since 1960. Anita believes that timber companies clearing old-growth forests are responsible for the decline (Premise). Jean, on the other hand, argues that the decline is due to a rival species, the barred owl, which has been moving into the spotted owl's habitat and replacing it (Premise). The question type for this problem is Method of Reasoning (MOR), and we are asked to identify what Jean does in her response to Anita.

Now let's go through each answer choice:

a) Jean does not deny the truth of Anita's premise that timber companies have been clearing old-growth forests. Instead, she provides an alternative explanation for the decline in the spotted owl population. So, this answer choice is incorrect.

b) Jean does not challenge Anita's assumption that the decline in the population of the spotted owl poses a threat to the species' continued survival. The focus of their discussion is on the cause of the decline, not the potential threat to the species. So, this answer choice is also incorrect.

c) This answer choice is correct. Jean proposes an alternative explanation for the decline in the spotted owl population, which is the invasion of the barred owl into the spotted owl's habitat.

d) Jean does not argue that Anita's conclusion is not valid because she has failed to consider the spotted owl population over a long enough time period. Both Anita and Jean discuss the decline since 1960, and Jean's reference to the past three decades does not necessarily cover a longer time period. So, this answer choice is incorrect.

e) Jean does not suggest that Anita overlooked the possibility that spotted owls are able to live in forests that are not old-growth forests. Jean's argument focuses on the barred owl as an alternative cause for the decline, not on the habitat of the spotted owls. So, this answer choice is also incorrect.

In conclusion, the correct answer choice is (c), as Jean proposes an alternative explanation for the decline in the spotted owl population.