PrepTest 147, Section 1, Question 9
Some scientists believe that small humanoid skeletons found(66 more words not shown)
Which one of the following(9 more words not shown)
- ASome scientists believe(14 more words not shown)
- BIt is more(23 more words not shown)
- CThe humanoid skeletons(9 more words not shown)
- DCertain fox and(15 more words not shown)
- EEnvironmental pressure can(10 more words not shown)
Reading the argument
An unknown growth disorder is still possible. Not matching the disorders we already know about doesn't eliminate every disorder that could exist.
The smaller foxes and mice give the author's alternative some support, though. If other species on this island evolved to become smaller, perhaps a human species did too. That doesn't prove the explanation, but the author only says it's more likely than the growth-disorder explanation.
What we’re looking for
The question asks for the conclusion, so we don't need to settle that scientific debate. We need the claim these reasons are being used to support: the skeletons more likely represent a distinct human species. The lack of a known disorder and the animal comparison both point toward that claim.
Working the answers
- A
This is the view the author is responding to. Reporting that some scientists favor a growth-disorder explanation sets up the disagreement; the author then offers a different explanation as more likely. So A gives the starting point for the argument, not the conclusion the author wants us to accept.
- BCorrect
This expresses the author's preferred explanation while keeping the important qualification: it is more likely that these skeletons represent a distinct species. The author offers the mismatch with known disorders and the examples of smaller animal species as reasons to favor that explanation. B doesn't overstate the argument as proving that no growth disorder was involved.
- C
This is evidence used against the competing explanation. Ask why the author mentions it: because it makes the distinct-species explanation look more plausible than a known growth disorder. That supporting role makes it a premise, even if we think an unknown disorder remains possible.
- D
This is the second piece of support. The smaller foxes and mice provide a comparison suggesting that becoming smaller on this island could also have happened to a human species. The author's ultimate point isn't about the foxes and mice; those animals help make the case about the skeletons.
- E
This is a broader claim about what environmental pressure can do. The author uses that kind of explanation, but the argument is aimed at these particular skeletons. Its conclusion is that they more likely belong to a distinct human species, not merely that environmental pressure can sometimes make island species smaller.
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