Home LSAT Prep LSAT Message Board
June 2014 LSAT Section 3 Question 15

The ancient reptile Thrinaxodon, an ancestor of mammals, had skull features suggesting that it had sensory whiskers. ...

Anna on November 5, 2018

Between A and B

Is the conclusion in this argument "Thrinaxodon was probably warm blooded" or "Thrinaxadon was probably warm-blooded, for such insulation would be of little use to a cold-blooded animal?" Since answer choice A and B were almost the same?

Reply
Create a free account to read and take part in forum discussions.

Already have an account? log in

Jacob-R on December 27, 2018

Hi @Anna

The conclusion is that Thrinaxodon was probably warm-blooded, and the statement that “for such insulation would be of little use to a cold-blooded animal” is offered as support for that conclusion. The indicator word “for” signals this support, and the “therefore” signals the conclusion.

That is why answer B is correct — answer A is wrong because the conclusion is not that insulation regulating body temperature would be of little use to a cold-blooded animal. Notice that A does not phrase it as you to, with the linkage back to Thrinaxodon probably being warm blooded. The answer merely says what it says — just the logic supporting the conclusion.

I hope that helps! Please let us know if you have further questions.