LSAT Explanation PT 37, S4, Q5: After 1950, in response to record

LSAT Question Stem

Which one of the following, if true, most helps to resolve the apparent discrepancy in the information above? 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Paradox question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is D. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

In this LSAT problem, we have a Paradox question. The passage presents a discrepancy: after 1950, farmers worldwide increased fertilizer use, leading to a doubling of farmland productivity by 1985. However, between 1985 and the present, worldwide fertilizer use has declined by 6 percent, even though farmers have sought to increase farmland productivity even further. Our task is to identify the answer choice that best helps to resolve this apparent discrepancy.

Before discussing the answer choices, let's break down the passage. The passage tells us that there was a record growth in worldwide food demand after 1950, which led to farmers increasing their use of fertilizer. This increase in fertilizer use resulted in a significant increase in farmland productivity. However, since 1985, despite the desire to further increase productivity, fertilizer use has decreased.

Now, let's analyze the answer choices:

a) This answer choice discusses the rates of population increase and the creation of new arable land. While it might provide some context for the situation, it does not directly address the discrepancy between the increase in farmland productivity and the decline in fertilizer use.

b) This answer choice states that several crop varieties, such as soybeans, are as responsive to fertilizer as traditional grain crops. This information does not help resolve the discrepancy, as it does not explain why fertilizer use has declined since 1985.

c) This answer choice states that between 1950 and 1985, farmers were able to increase the yield of many crop varieties. While this is consistent with the information in the passage, it does not help to resolve the discrepancy we are looking for.

d) This answer choice provides a reason for the decline in fertilizer use since 1985. It states that after several years of adding fertilizer to the soil, adding more fertilizer in subsequent years does not significantly improve crop production. This means that at some point, the continuous addition of fertilizer no longer contributes to an increase in farmland productivity. This helps to resolve the discrepancy and is the correct answer.

e) This answer choice discusses temporary fertilizer price increases between 1975 and 1980 due to labor disputes. However, this information is not relevant to the discrepancy we are trying to resolve, which is focused on the period between 1985 and the present.

In conclusion, the correct answer is choice D, as it provides a reason for the decline in fertilizer use since 1985 while still addressing the desire for increased farmland productivity.