LSAT Question Stem

Which one of the following, if true, most helps to explain the difference in the ages of the cedars on cliff faces and those in forests? 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Paradox question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is B. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

First, let's analyze the passage and break it down into simpler terms. The passage tells us that North American eastern white cedars grow in two different environments: on cliff faces and in forests. Cedars on cliff faces are much smaller due to limited nutrients, while those in forests grow much larger thanks to better soil and moisture. However, the cedars on cliff faces tend to be older, with many over 500 years old, while those in forests are rarely older than 400 years. This presents a paradox: why do cedars in harsher conditions live longer than those in more favorable conditions?

Now, let's identify the question type and what it's asking us to do. This is a Paradox question, which means we need to find an answer choice that helps to explain or resolve the paradox presented in the passage.

Let's examine each answer choice:

a) The conditions on cliff faces are similar to those in most other places where there are few tall trees.

This answer choice doesn't address the paradox. It simply provides information about the conditions on cliff faces compared to other locations with few tall trees. It doesn't explain why cedars on cliff faces live longer than those in forests.

b) In areas where eastern white cedars grow, forest fires are relatively frequent, but fires cannot reach cliff faces.

This answer choice provides a possible explanation for the paradox. Forest fires can damage or kill trees in forests, while cedars on cliff faces are protected from these fires. This could explain why the cedars on cliff faces live longer than those in forests, despite the harsher conditions. This is the correct answer.

c) Trees that are older than a few hundred years start to lose the protective outer layer of their bark.

This answer choice doesn't help to explain the paradox. It simply provides information about what happens to trees as they age, but it doesn't explain why cedars on cliff faces live longer than those in forests.

d) The roots of cedars on cliff faces lodge in cracks in the cliff, and once the roots are so large that they fill a crack, the tree is unable to grow any taller.

This answer choice explains why cedars on cliff faces don't grow as tall as those in forests, but it doesn't address the paradox of why they live longer. It simply provides information about their growth limitations.

e) Eastern white cedar wood is too soft to be used for firewood or modern buildings, but it is occasionally used to make furniture.

This answer choice is irrelevant to the paradox. It provides information about the uses of eastern white cedar wood, but it doesn't explain why cedars on cliff faces live longer than those in forests.

In conclusion, the correct answer is B, as it provides a plausible explanation for the paradox presented in the passage. Forest fires can damage or kill trees in forests, while cedars on cliff faces are protected from these fires, potentially explaining why they live longer despite the harsher conditions.