LSAT Explanation PT 36, S1, Q23: It is clear that humans during

LSAT Question Stem

Each of the following, if true, contributes to an explanation of the skewed distribution of lamps EXCEPT: 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Paradox question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is E. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

First, let's analyze the passage. The passage states that humans used lamps for light during the Upper Paleolithic period. However, the distribution of known lamps is skewed, with the most lamps associated with the late Upper Paleolithic period when the Magdalenian culture was dominant. In simpler terms, even though lamps were used throughout the entire Upper Paleolithic period, we find more lamps from the late part of that period.

Now, let's move on to the question. This is a Paradox Except question, which means we are looking for the answer choice that does NOT help explain the skewed distribution of lamps. Let's go through each answer choice:

a) Artifacts from early in the Upper Paleolithic period are harder to identify than those that originated later in the period.

This answer choice helps explain the skewed distribution because if early artifacts are harder to identify, it makes sense that we would find fewer lamps from the early period. Therefore, this is not the correct answer.

b) More archaeological sites have been discovered from the Magdalenian culture than from earlier cultures.

This answer choice also helps explain the skewed distribution. If more sites have been discovered from the Magdalenian culture, it's likely that we'll find more artifacts, including lamps, from that period. So, this is not the correct answer.

c) More efficient lamp-making techniques were developed by the Magdalenian culture than by earlier cultures.

This answer choice contributes to an explanation of the skewed distribution. If the Magdalenian culture had more efficient lamp-making techniques, it could mean they produced more lamps, which would explain why we find more lamps from that period. Therefore, this is not the correct answer.

d) Fire pits were much more common in caves early in the Upper Paleolithic period than they were later in that period.

This answer choice helps explain the skewed distribution as well. If fire pits were more common in the early period, it's possible that people used fire pits for light instead of lamps, resulting in fewer lamps from the early period. So, this is not the correct answer.

e) More kinds of lamps were produced by the Magdalenian culture than by earlier cultures.

This is the correct answer because it does NOT help explain the skewed distribution. Producing more kinds of lamps doesn't necessarily mean producing more lamps overall. Even if the Magdalenian culture had a greater variety of lamps, it doesn't explain why they produced more lamps than earlier cultures.

In conclusion, the correct answer is E, as it does not contribute to an explanation of the skewed distribution of lamps.