LSAT Explanation PT 39, S4, Q18: Foster: Many species of extremely large

LSAT Question Stem

Which one of the following, if true, most strengthens Fisch's argument? 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Strengthen question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is E. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

In this LSAT problem, we have a dialogue between Foster and Fisch, who present opposing arguments about the cause of extinction for many species of large North American mammals during the last ice age.

Foster's Argument:

Premise: Many large mammal species went extinct during the last ice age, which coincided with the first human migration to North America.

Conclusion: The extinctions were caused by the dramatic changes brought about by human migration.

Fisch's Argument:

Premise: The climate changed rapidly during the last ice age.

Conclusion: The extinctions were caused by the harsh climate change, as the species could not adapt.

The question type is Strengthen, and we are asked to find the answer choice that most strengthens Fisch's argument.

Before discussing the answer choices, let's consider an "Evaluate" question for Fisch's argument: "Is there evidence that the rapid climate change directly led to the extinction of these large mammal species?"

Now, let's analyze each answer choice:

a) This answer choice weakens Fisch's argument, as it suggests that similar species in other parts of the world were able to survive dramatic climate changes. This implies that the climate change may not have been the primary cause of extinction for the North American mammals.

b) This answer choice does not strengthen Fisch's argument, as it does not address the climate change issue. Instead, it provides information about the migration of other mammals, which is not relevant to Fisch's claim about the climate being the primary cause of extinction.

c) This answer choice actually weakens Fisch's argument and strengthens Foster's, as it provides evidence supporting the idea that human migration can lead to mammal species becoming extinct. This information goes against Fisch's claim that climate change was the primary cause.

d) This answer choice is not directly relevant to Fisch's argument, as it does not address the climate change issue. However, if it provides any support, it would be for Foster's argument, since it suggests that humans had the means to hunt or kill the large mammals, potentially contributing to their extinction.

e) This is the correct answer choice, as it strengthens Fisch's argument by providing more evidence that climate change was the primary cause of extinction. If the large size of the mammals made it difficult for them to migrate to milder environments, it is more likely that the rapid climate change had a severe impact on their survival.

In conclusion, the correct answer choice is (e), as it provides additional evidence supporting Fisch's argument that climate change was the primary cause of extinction for the large North American mammals during the last ice age.