December 2016 LSAT Section 1 Question 5

During its caterpillar stage, the leopard magpie moth feeds on a plant called the Natal grass cycad and by so doing l...

kristinsmith04 on December 15, 2019

Why is D wrong?

Doesn't the negation of D lead to able to locate regardless of the abundance in which case, the argument falls apart? It falls apart (according to my thinking) because if they are able to locate the plant regardless of it's abundance, then a decrease in it's numbers shouldn't decrease the moth's prospect for seeking it out, and surviving. Please point out where I've gone wrong - Thanks!

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Skylar on December 15, 2019

@kristinsmith04, maybe I can help here.

The idea that moths are able to locate Natal grass cycads regardless of their abundance does not make the argument fall apart. The passage tells us that this plant is "endangered and facing extinction," so even if the moths were able to locate the few remaining plants, they would eventually drain this resource. As you state, a decrease in the numbers of the plant wouldn't necessarily decrease the moths' ability to seek it out, but it would decrease the supply of plants that will be left to be found and used. Their ability to find the plant is not the issue; the issue is the endangerment of the plant, and (D) does not address this.

Does that make sense? Let us know if you have any other questions!

kristinsmith04 on December 16, 2019

Thanks so much!

Ravi on January 16, 2020

@kristinsmith04, let us know if you have any other questions!