The professor explains that even though most species are able to communicate with other members of the same species, it cannot be said that all communication can be called "language." The human communication system qualifies as language. We are also told that using language is a trait without which we would not be human.
The student responds by stating that that even though communication is not sufficient to qualify as a language, the professor cannot know whether the highly evolved communication systems of songbirds, dolphins, honeybees, and apes, for example, are not languages.
Clearly, the student has misinterpreted the professor to be saying that there are no animals that have a language, when she was merely stating that though most animals communicate, not all of them have a language.
So, we are looking for the answer choice that conveys that the student incorrectly believed that the professor stated no animals have a language, i.e. answer choice (D): "using language is a trait humans do not share with any other species," i.e. humans are the only species that have language - in other words - animals do not have language.
Hope that helps clear things up! Please let us know if you have any other questions.
Julie-VAugust 19, 2019
Is there a typo in the question stem? it says that "the student has interpreted the professor's remarks to mean that different species can" but only option (A) sounds like it can logically complete the stem with its ending of "can". Any clarifications on this would be greatly appreciated, thanks!
RaviAugust 19, 2019
@Julie-V,
Thanks for bringing this to my attention. Yes, there's a typo in the stem.
The question stem should read, "The student has interpreted the professor's remarks to mean that"
"Different species can" should be omitted from the stem. I've alerted the technical team about this. Let us know if you have any other questions!
Gabby_teixeiraApril 21, 2020
I believe there's an error in option (A) as it's an incomplete thought
