LSAT Question Stem

Which one of the following, if true, most helps to resolve the apparent paradox described above? 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Paradox question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is C. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

Let's first analyze the passage and understand the apparent paradox. The passage states that lactose, a sugar found in milk, aids in the absorption of calcium, which is required for bone repair. In tropical areas, there are shortages of milk, and inhabitants lose the ability to absorb lactose. However, inhabitants of tropical areas do not have more problems with bone repair than those in nontropical areas. This is the paradox we need to resolve: despite the lack of lactose absorption, people in tropical areas do not have more bone repair issues.

The question type is Paradox, and we need to find the answer choice that helps to resolve this apparent contradiction.

a) People living in tropical areas periodically take tablets containing lactose when there are shortages of milk.

This answer choice does not resolve the paradox because the passage states that inhabitants of tropical areas lose the ability to absorb lactose. Taking tablets containing lactose would not help them absorb calcium, as they cannot absorb lactose.

b) Milk consumption has fallen in both tropical and nontropical areas.

This answer choice does not help to resolve the paradox because it does not explain how inhabitants of tropical areas can maintain good bone repair without lactose absorption.

c) The abundant sunlight in tropical areas causes the human body to produce vitamin D naturally, which aids in the absorption of calcium.

This answer choice resolves the paradox by providing an alternative source of calcium absorption for inhabitants of tropical areas. The sunlight helps their bodies produce vitamin D, which aids in calcium absorption, allowing them to maintain good bone repair despite the lack of lactose absorption. This is the correct answer.

d) Consumption of dairy products other than milk has risen slightly in tropical areas.

This answer choice does not resolve the paradox because it does not address the issue of lactose absorption. Even if dairy consumption has increased, inhabitants of tropical areas still cannot absorb lactose, and this answer does not provide an alternative source of calcium absorption.

e) The extent to which people living in tropical areas lose the ability to absorb lactose depends on a genetic predisposition.

This answer choice does not resolve the paradox because it does not provide an explanation for how inhabitants of tropical areas can maintain good bone repair without lactose absorption. It only states that the ability to absorb lactose depends on genetics, but it does not address the paradox at hand.

In conclusion, the correct answer is (C), as it provides an alternative source of calcium absorption for inhabitants of tropical areas, resolving the paradox of good bone repair despite the lack of lactose absorption.