June 2008 LSAT Section 4 Question 13

The highest mountain ranges are formed by geological forces that raise the earth's crust: two continent–bearing tect...

shafieiava on February 2, 2020

Answer choice A

Can some explain why A is the correct answer choice? What exactly is the paradox we are trying to resolve here? I thought it was why do these mountain ranges survive/continue to exist in places where there is erosive weather. It does not seem that A resolves this paradox?

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Ravi on February 5, 2020

@shafieiava,

Let's take a look at (A).

The paradox we're trying to solve is why the highest mountains on
earth would be where the forces of erosion are most prevalent. One
would think that the erosion would make them smaller mountains.

We need an answer choice that explains how these two seemingly
contradictory facts can coexist.

(A) says, "Patterns of extreme wind and precipitation often result
from the dramatic differences in elevation commonly found in the
highest mountain ranges."

(A) would help resolve the paradox because it tells us that higher
mountain ranges tend to result in an increase in wind and
precipitation, which help to explain why these things are commonly
found together. This resolves the paradox, so it's the correct answer
choice.

Does this answer your question? Let us know if you have any other questions!

shafieiava on February 9, 2020

Thanks for your explanation. In this case would you say that answer choice B actually weakens/doesn't resolve the paradox because it is saying that there is less erosion reducing vegetation. If B said there was more erosion reducing vegetation would it help solve the paradox?