Some killer whales eat fish exclusively, but others also eat seals. Different groups of killer whales "chatter" in di...

ChristianR on April 29, 2020

Why not E?

I do not understand this one

Replies

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

Already have an account? log in

iameunkyoung@gmail.com on May 9, 2020

Second this question. Hoping to see the answer soon! Thanks.

liwenong28 on June 11, 2021

Hi,

I initially picked (E) as well but got the explanation why (E) is wrong. Here's why (E) is wrong.

The conclusion is a Cause and Effect argument

"hypothesize that young harbor seals start with an aversion to all killer whales but then learn to ignore those that do not eat seals"

Cause: familiarity with killer whale chatter

Effect: being unafraid of killer whales that do not eat seals.

(C) strengthens the argument by showing without the cause, there is no effect. (i.e. when they are unfamiliar with the chatter, they are not unafraid (meaning they are afraid).

(E) does nothing to the conclusion "young harbor seals start with an aversion to all killer whales but then learn to ignore those that do not eat seals".
If a whale mistakenly attacks the seal, it tells us nothing about the seals overcoming their fear. Essentially (E) reverses the relationship by telling us the seals learn to be afraid after being mistakenly attacked.

I hope this helps. Please feel free to correct me if I'm wrong!